Cbe  Liftratp 


of  it)t 


{[InitjetiBiitp  of  Ji3ortl)  Carolina 


Collection  of  j3ort6  Caroliniana 
Jofin  &ptunt  !^iU 

of  tl)c  eilajss  of  1889 


GB 

JlSe.S  . 


This  book  musf  not 

ONLY,    and    i?-    subiect   to    a    nne    ux    xY,\^ 


CEN^ 


THE 


COMPLETE  MEMOIRS 


OP 


Andrew  Jackson, 


SEVENTH  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CONTAINING  A  FULL  ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  MILITARY 

LIFE  AND  ACHIEVEMENTS,  WITH  HIS 

CAREER  AS  PRESIDENT. 


NEW  YORK 

HURST  &  CO.,  Publishers 

122  Nassau  Street 


PEEFACE. 


TT  is  not  the  intention  of  the  compiler  of  the  fbl- 

lowing  Memoirs  to  present  his  readers  with  a 
prolix  preface,  because  it  constitutes  that  portion 
of  a  book  which  is  seldom  honored  with  a  reading. 

When  high  party  feelings  were  fully  developed, 
in  relation  to  a  presidential  candidate,  the  engines 
of  abuse  brought  into  operation  on  the  one  hand, 
and  on  the  other  the  fulsome  adulation  exhibited 
towards  the  distinguished  patriot  whose  life  is  here 
delineated,  induced  the  compiler  to  undertake  an 
inyestigation  of  the  subject  in  order  to  bring  to 
light  a  true  statement  of  facts. 

With  this  object  constantly  in  view,  there  has 
been  a  careful  examination  of  the  official  docu- 
ments which  relate  to  his  public  acts.  His  talents 
as  a  military  commander,  as  a  civilian,  and,  lastly, 
his  moral  character,  are  open  to  the  inspection  of 
all. 

When  the  community  entertain  different  views 
of  the  conduct  or  motives  of  an  individual  who 
has  acted  in  a  highly  responsible  capacity,  it  is  ex- 
ceedingly difficult  to  concentrate  opinion  by  pre- 
senting a  series  of  truths.  Prejudice  operates  with 
pocnliar  force  on  the  minds  of  one  ciam,  whil*  the 

fit 


Mm,  kow«T«r  well  oonTinoed  of  their  error,  u% 
nBwilling  to  be  thoaght  inconBistent,  and  therefore 
nerer  acknowledge  the  falsity  of  the  coorBe  of 
reasoning  which  they  have  once  adopted. 

Although  this  compilation  has  been  attended 
with  considerable  anxiety  in  reducing  the  materials 
to  an  orderly  arrangement,  a  hope  is  indulged  that 
the  reader  will  admit,  from  a  candid  examination 
of  the  whole,  that  the  intention  has  not  been  to 
make  the  work  subservient  to  party  purposes :  on 
the  contrary,  it  is  intended  to  be  a  plain  record  of 
events  in  the  life  of  an  illustrious  American  citizen. 

The  compiler  of  these  Memoirs  makes  no  claim 
to  novelty  or  originality.  He  hopes,  notwithstand- 
ing, that  they  will  not  be  found  uninteresting.  It 
has  been  his  aim  to  bp  strictly  impartial.  The 
materials  that  compose  his  works  have  accordingly 
been  derived  alike  from  the  enemies  and  friends 
of  the  hero,  whose  public  and  private  character  he 
has  endeavored  faithfully  to  delineate. 

Unaccustomed  to  eulogy,  and  unacquainted  with 
the  chicanery  of  political  life,  the  compiler  sub- 
mits the  result  of  his  inquiries  to  the  impartial 
tribonal  of  the  public. 

& 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

His  birth,  parentage,  family,  and  education. — Eo^agM 
in  the  American  Revolution,  and  is  shortly  after,  with 
his  brother,  made  a  prisoner. — Their  treatment  and  suf- 
forings. — Corhmencos  the  study  of  law. — His  remoral 
to  the  Western  country. — Anecdote. — Becomes  a  mem* 
ber  of  the  Tennessee  convention,  and  afterwards  a  sen- 
ator in  the  United  States'  congress. — Retires,  and  is  ap- 
pointed a  judge  of  the  state  courts. — Declaration  of 
war. — Tenders  the  services  of  2500  volunteers  to  the 
president. — Ordered  to  the  lower  country. — His  descent 
and  return,  and  discharge  of  the  troops.       .     .     .    p.  13 

CHAPTER  11. 

Indian  preparation  for  hostilities.— Tecumseh  arriTei 
amongst  the  southern  tribes  ;  his  intrigues. — Civil  wan 
of  the  Creeks. — Destruction  of,  and  butchery  at  Fort 
Mimms. — Expedition  against  ihe  Indians. — Jackson 
unites  with  the  army,  and  enters  the  enemy's  country. — 
Scarcity  of  supplies  in  his  camp. — Learns  the  savages 
are  imbodied. — Seeks  to  form  a  junction  with  the  East 
Tennessee  division. — Detaches  General  Coffee  acrosa 
the  Coosa. — Battle  of  Tallushatchee.  ,     .    p.  30 

CHAPTER  HI. 

General  Jackson  endeavours  to  unite  with  the  Eu* 
Tennessee  troops. — EstablishmoLt  of  Fort   Strolher.— 
Learns    the   enemy  are    imbodied. — Marches  to  meel 
lh*-n. — Battle  of  Talladega. — Is  compelled  to  return  to 
rJ  hia  encampment,  for  want  of  supplies. — Anecdote. — Di»- 

»c  1  rents  of  his  army. — Militia  and  volunteers;  mutiny 

Or 


^ 


VI  CONTENT!. 

Adaram  to  the  officers. — Is  comDelltd  to  abuuloa  fort 
Strother-  HiUaboo  clans  sue  for  peace. — Letter  fh>zii 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Blackburn. — An«wer. — The  rolunteera 
claim  to  be  discharged. — Mutiny. — Address  to  them.— 
General  Cocko  arrives  witli  part  of  his  division. — Gene- 
ral Coffee's  brigade  petitions  for  a  dischajjfe. — General 
Jackson's  answer. — They  abandon  the  Mrrice,  and  jrc 
home p.oO 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Discontents  of  the  militia. — Governor  Blount  recom- 
mends an  abandonment  of  the  service. — Jackson  s  reply 
to  his  letter. — The  governor  takes  measures  for  brin^ring 
out  a  sufficient  force  — Conduct  of  General  Roberts. — 
His  brigade  retires  from  service. — Lieutenant  Kearley. — 
Arrival  of  additional  forces. — Arrest  of  officers. — Expe- 
dition against  the  Indians. — His  motives. — Battle  of 
Emuckfaw. — General  Coffee  proceeds  to  destroy  the 
enemy's  fortifications. — Second  battle  of  Emuckfaw. — 
Troops  commence  their  return  march. — Ambuscade 
formed  by  the  Indians. — Battle  of  Enotichopco.    .    p.  82. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  volunteers  are  discharged. — New  troops  arrive.— 
Execution  of  a  soldier,  and  the  effect  produced. — Want 
of  supplies. — Mutiny  with  the  East  Termessoe  brigade.- 
General  Jackson  marches  against  the  Indians. — Battle 
of  Toliopeka. — Returns  to  Fort  Williams. — Expedition 
to  Hoithlevvalee  ;  its  failure,  and  the  causes. — Forms  a 

enction  with  the   Georgia  troopr,  and  proceeds  to  the 
ickorv  Ground. — Indians  sue  for  peace. — Weatherford 
surrenders  himself — Arrival  of    General  Pinckney  at 
head-quarters. — Tennessee    troopa    are  ordarad  to   be 
arched  home,  and  diacharged  {torn  ■arrie*      .    p.  110 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Jackson  is  appointed  a  ii^ajor-general  in  the  aerrioe  of 
he  United  States. — Is  directed  to  open  a  negotiation 
■*ith  the  Indians. — Speech  of  the  Big  Warrior,  a  chial 
jf  the  nation. — Concludes  a  treaty  with  the  Creek  In 


>NTENT».  Vll 

diuu. — His  Tiew«  against  Pensacola  and  Florida. — 0«m 
era]  Armstrong's  letter. — The  Spanish  goremor  ia  call 
•d  on  for  an  explanation  of  his  conduct. — His  answer,  and 
General  Jackson's  reply. — The  adjutant-general  ia  de- 
spatched to  Tennessee  to  raise  volunteers. — Jackson  sets 
out  for  Mobile. — Orders  the  Tennessee  troops  to  ad 
ranee  to  his  assistance f'  141 


CHAPTER  Vn. 

Colonel  Nicholls  arrives  at  Pensacola,  and  issues  a  proo 
tarnation  to  the  southern  inhabitants. — Attack  on  Fort 
Bowyer,  and  loss  of  the  Hermes. — Jackson  determines  to 
reduce  Pensacola. — Demands  of  the  governor  an  explana 
tion  of  his  conduct ;  his  answer—  Enters  and  takes  pos 
session  of  Pensacola. — Conduct  and  perfidy  of  the  gov 
ernor. — Destruction,  by  the  British,  of  Barrancas  Fort. — 
Our  troops  return  to  Mobile. — Expedition  against  the 
Indians. — General  Winchester  arrives,  and  Jackson  pro- 
ceeds to  take  command  of  New  Orleans.  .     .     .    p.  171. 


CHAPTER  Vm. 

Jackson's  correspondence  with  the  governor  of  Loms- 
iana. — His  address  to  the  citizens.-— MiUtia  from  Ten- 
nessee and  Kentucky  advance  ;  and  general  plans  adopt 
ed  for  defence. — Plan  for  filling  delinquencies  in  'nt 
army  — British  shipping  arrive  on  the  coast. — Los«  of 
the  Sea  Horse. — Battle  on  the  lake,  and  loss  of  the  gun- 
boats— Jackson  reviews  the  militia. — His  address  to 
them. — Detention  of  his  flag. — Anecdote. — Expresses 
sent  to  Generals  Coffee  and  Carroll. — Declaration  of 
martial  law  at  New  Orleans. — The  British  effect  a  land 
ing,  and  Jackson  prepares  to  meet  them.  ...    p.  197 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Ci^eneral  Jackson  concentrates  his  forces,  and  mirehes 
to  fight  the  enemy. — Alarms  of  the  city. — Anecdote^ — 
Mode  of  attack,  and  battle  of  the  23d  of  December. — 
British  re-enforcements  arrive  during  the  action. — ^Ar- 
rival of  General  Carroll's  division.-^ur  anny  retires 
ftova  the  field. — Effects  of  this  battle. — Jackson  esttblish 
1* 


COnTEWTt. 

m  I  luM  of  <!«f«ae0.— Genera]  Moriran  b  ord«r«4  em  Uw 
rifiit  bcnk  of  the  Miuissippi. — Degtraction  aad  Iom  of 
th«  C«xolinfl  schooner. — Battle  of  the  28th  December.— 
Condact  of  the  legislature  of  Louisiana  ;  their  delibera* 
liona  cuspeoded. — Scarcit/  of  arma  in  the  Amehcaa 
eamp.— ColdMl  Uiada p.  938 


CHAPTER  X. 

Attack  of  the  lat  of  Janiuu-j. — General  Jackaon'a  liaa 
of  defence. — Kentucky  troops  arrive  at  head-quarters.— 
British  army  re-enforced ;  their  preparations  for  attack 
— Battle  of  the  8th  of  January,  and  repulse  of  the  en«- 
taj. — American  redoubt  carried,  and  retaken. — Colonel 
Tbomton  proceeds  against  General  Morgan's  line,  and 
takes  possession  of  it. — Letter  of  Captain  Wilkinson. — 
British  watchword. — Generous  conduct  of  the  Americaji 
Boldiers. — Morgan's  line  regained. — General  Lambert 
requests  a  suspension  of  hostilities. — Armistice  conolud- 
edr— Exeoation  of  an  American  soldier  by  the  British. 

p.  370. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Bombardment  of  Fort  *St.  Philip. — British  array  retire 
to  their  shipping. — General  Jackson,  with  his  troops,  re- 
turns to  New  Orleans. — Day  of  thanksgiving. — Rodoe- 
tion  of  Fort  Bowyer. — Legislature  of  Louisiana  re-com- 
mence their  session. — Discontents  fomented  among  the 
American  troops. — Arrest  of  Louaillier ;  of  Judge  Hall. 
— Peace  announced. — General  Jackson  is  prosecuted  for 
contempt  of  court ,  his  appearance  in  court. — Speech  at 
the  coffee-house. — His  own  opinion  of  martial  law. — 
Troops  are  discharged,  and  the  general  returns  to  Nash- 
ville.— Reduction  oT  the  army, — -Jackson's  commission  u 
general  annulled. — Treaty  with  Spain. — He  is  appointed 
governor  of  the  Floridaa. — Transactions  there. — His  re- 
si^ation. — He  is  appointed  minister  to  Mexico ;  declines 
the  nuBsion ;  his  reasons ;  is  elected  a  senator  of  the 
United  States ;  resigns  the  office. — Hie  pereoa  and  ehar- 
■etar. — Aneodotee.    •  .      •  ....    p.  SSMI 


CHAPTER  XIL 

Komin&tion  for  the  Presidency.— Result  of  tha  eleetion. 
— The  House  of  Representatives  elect  a  President. — Jaok- 
Bon  defeated  and  Adams  chosen. — Jackson  at  once  a  candi- 
date for  re-nomination  in  1829. — A  spirited  and  exciting 
campaign. — Van  Buren's  support  secures  New  York. — A 
grand  celebration  on  8th  January,  1828,  held  in  New  Or- 
leans.— General  Jackson  elected  by  a  large  majority. — The 
public  rejoicing  saddened  by  the  death  of  Mrs.  Jackson. — 
Inauguration  of  General  Jackson. — Cabinet  nominations. 
--The  famous  "Kitchen  Cabinet."— General  removal  of 
civil  employees  of  the  Government. — Jackson's  first  mes- 
sage to  Congress. — Rejections  by  Congress  of  the  Presi- 
dent's nominations.  —  First  attack  on   the  Bank   of   the 
'United  States. — Preliminary  debate  on  nullification. — Rup- 
ture between  the  President  and  the  Vice-President. — The 
second  message  of  the  President. — Colonel  Benton  makes 
war  on  the  bank. — Dissolution  of  the  Cabinet. — The  great 
session  of  Jackson's  administration. — Van  Buren  rejected 
by  the  Senate  for  post  of  British  ambassador. — The  bank 
charter  bill  vetoed  by  the  President.— General  Jackson  re- 
elected President  by  an  overwhelming  majority.— The  sub- 
ject of  nullification  looms  up.— The  South  demands  relief 
by  a  sweeping  reduction  of  duties.— Mr.  Clay's  bill  passed, 
partially  abolishing  duties  on  certain  imports.— South  Car- 
olina in  a  ferment. — She  passes  her  nullifying  ordinance 
of  Nov.  24,  1832.— Collision  averted  by  Mr.  Clay's  compro- 
mise bill. — General  Jackson's  famous  removal  of  deposits. 
— Van  Buren  elected  President. — General  Jackson's  retire- 
ment into  private  life. — Closing  scenes  of  bis  career. — Death 
on  Jane  8, 1846 p,  JM, 


LIFE 


OP 


ANDREW   JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  1. 

made  a  vrisoner.^  Their  treatment  and  sufferings. —Commencn 
the  study  of  law. —His  removal  to  the  Western  cmniry  —Anec- 
doU.-Beeomes  a  member  of  the  Tennessee  Cmveutum,  and 
afteruHxrds  a  Senator  in  the  United  Statei^  ^"^Z'"^' 
tirts,  and  is  appointed  a  Judge  of  the  fMe  Courts -De- 
clartitum  of  y,o^!-Tenders  the  services  of  ^^OOvobtn^s  to 
the  President.— Ordered  to  the  lower  country.— His  descent  and 
return,  and  discharge  of  the  troops. 

Andrew  Jackson  was  born  on  the  15th  day  o* 
March,  1767.  His  father,  (Andrew,)  the  young- 
est  son  of  his  family,  emigrated  to  America  from 
Ireland  during  the  year  1765,  bringing  with  him 
two  sons,  Hugh  and  Robert,  both  very  young. 
Landing  at  Charleston,  in  South  Carolina,  he  af- 
terwards purchased  a  tract  of  land,  in  what  wag 
then  called  the  Waxsaw  settlement,  about  forty-five 
miles  above  Camden  ;  at  which  place  the  subject  of 
this  history  was  bom.  Shortly  after  his  birth,  his 
father  died,  leaving  three  sons  to  be  provided  for 
by  their  mother.  She  appears  to  have  been  an 
exemplary  woman,  ant.  to  have  executed  the  ar- 
dooos  dutiei  which  had  devolved  on  her.  vtih  great 


14  Lirs  or  sknebal  jacksoii. 

fkithfblneBs  and  success.     To  the  lesaons  ihe  in 

culcated  on  the  youthful  minds  of  her  sons,  wat 
no  doubt,  owing,  in  a  great  measure,  that  fixed  0|>- 
position  to  British  oppression,  which  afterwards  sc 
much  distinguished  them.  Often  would  she  spend 
the  winter's  evenings  in  recounting  to  thera  the 
sufferings  of  their  grandfather  at  the  siege  of  Car- 
fickfergus,  and  the  oppression  exerciser  by  the  no- 
bility of  Ireland  over  the  labouring  poor  ;  impres- 
smg  it  upon  them,  as  a  first  duty,  to  expend  their 
lives,  if  it  should  become  necessary,  in  defending 
and  supporting  the  rights  of  man. 

Inheriting  but  a  small  patrimony  from  their  fa- 
ther, it  was  impossible  that  all  tlie  sons  could  receive 
an  expensive  education.  The  two  eldest  were, 
therefore,  only  taught  the  rudiments  of  their  mother 
tonorue,  at  a  common  country  school.  But  An- 
drew, being  intended  by  liis  mother  fo»  the  minis- 
try, was  sent  to  a  flourishing  academy  at  the  Wax- 
saw  meeting-house,  superintended  by  Mr.  Hum- 
phries. Here  he  was  placed  on  the  study  of  the 
dead  languages,  and  continued  until  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  extending  its  ravages  into  that  section 
of  South  Carolina  where  he  then  was,  rendered 
it  necessary  that  every  one  should  betake  himself 
to  the  American  standard,  seek  protection  with  the 
enemy,  or  flee  his  country.  It  was  not  an  alter- 
native that  admitted  of  tedious  deliberation.  The 
natural  ardour  of  his  temper,  deriving  encouragc- 
meni  from  the  recommendations  of  his  mother, 
whose  feelings  were  excited  by  those  sentiments  in 
favour  of  liberty,  with  which,  by  her  conversation, 
hit  mind  had  been  early  imbued,  quickly  deter 
mined  him  in  the  course  to  be  pursued  ;  and,  at  the 
Undtr  age  o'  fourteen,  accompanied  by  hia  hmthei 


LUn  OF  fllNSRAL  lACKlOll.  II 

Robert,  bt  hastened  to  the  Amencan  cuip,  tad 
engaged  actiTely  in  the  service  of  hii  coontry 
Hit  eldeat  brother,  who  had  previously  joined  the 
army,  had  loat  hit  life  at  the  battle  of  Stono,  froui 
"^he  exceaaive  heat  of  the  weather  and  the  fatigues 
>f  the  day. 

Both  Andrew  and  Robert  were,  at  this  period, 
pretty  well  acquainted  with  the  manual  exercise, 
ind  had  some  idea  of  the  difierent  evolutions  of 
the  field,  having  been  indulged  by  their  mother  in 
attending  the  drill  and  general  musters  of  the 
neighbourhood. 

The  Americans  being  unequal,  as  well  from  the 
inferiority  of  their  numbers,  as  their  discipline,  to 
engage  ^e  British  array  in  battle,  had  retired  be- 
fore it  into  the  interior  of  North  Carolina;  but, 
when  they  learned,  that  Lord  Comwallis  had  croaa- 
ed  the  Yadkin,  they  returned  in  small  detach* 
ments  to  their  native  state.  On  their  arrival,  they 
found  Lord  Rawdon  in  possession  of  Camden,  and 
the  whole  country  around  in  a  state  of  desolation. 
The  British  commander  being  advised  of  the  re- 
turn of  the  settlers  of  VVaxsaw,  Major  Coffin  waa 
inmiediately  despatched  thither,  with  a  corps  of 
light  dragoons,  a  company  of  infantry,  and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  lories,  for  their  capture  and 
destruction.  Hearing  of  their  approach,  the  set- 
tlers, without  delay,  appointed  the  Waxsaw  meet- 
ing-house as  a  place  of  rendezvou^that  they  might 
the  better  collect  their  scattered  strength,  and  con- 
cert some  system  of  operations.  About  forty  of 
them  had  accordingly  assembled  at  this  point,  whei 
the  enemy  approached,  keeping  the  toriea,  who  were 
dreced  in  the  common  garb  of  the  country,  in  front, 
iriiereby  this  little  band  of  patriots  waa  completely 
2 


li  UFI   or  OINBKAL  ikCKMOtL. 

deeehred,   baring  taken    them    fbr  Captain    Nb- 
bet'a  company,  in  expectation  of  which  they  had 
been  waiting.    Eleren  of  them  were  taken  prison 
r     ;  the  reat  with  difficulty   fled,  betaking  them 
o^     .a   to   the  wooda  for  concealment.     Of  thoee 
who  thna  eacaped,  though   closely  pursued,  were 
Andrew  Jackaon  and  his  brother,  who,  entering  a 
ret  bond  in  a   creek,  that  was  close  at   hand, 
o    lined  a  momentary  respite   from  danger,    and 
avoided,  fbr  the  night,  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 
The  next  day,  however,  having  gone  to  a  neigh- 
bouring house,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  some- 
thing to  eat,  they  were  broken  in  upon,  and  made 
prisoners,  by  Coffin's  dragoons,  and  a  party  of  to- 
nes who  accompanied  them.     Those  young  men, 
with  a  view  to  security,  had  placed  their  horses  in 
the  wood,  on  the  margin  of  a  small  creek,  and  post- 
ed, on  the  road  which  led  by  the  house,  a  senti- 
nel, that  they  might  have  information  of  any  ap- 
proach, and  in  time  to  be  able  to  elude  it     But 
the  tories,  who  were  weU  acquainted  with  the  coun- 
try and  the  passes  through  the  forest,  had,  unfortu- 
nately, passed  the  creek  at  the  very  point  where 
the  horses  and  baggage  of  our  young  soldiers  were 
deposited,  and  taken  possession  of  them.     Having 
done  this,  they  approached,  cautiously,  the  house, 
and  were  almost  at  the  door  before  they  were  dis- 
covered.     To   escape   was    impossible,   and   both 
were  made  prisoners.     Being  placed  under  guard, 
Andrew  was  orde^d,  in  a  very  imperious  tone,  by  a 
British  officer,  to  clean  his  boota.     This  order  he 
positively  and  peremptorily  refused  to  obey  ;  alleg 
ing  that  he  looked  for  such  treatment  as  a  pria 
oner  of  war  had  a  right  to  expect     Incensed  at 
hif  refVmU  the  officer  aimed  a  blow  at  his  b^^ 


hum   OF  GBNBRAL  JACKSON.  17 

with  a  dntwn  aword,  which  would,  verj  probftbiy 
htTe  terminated  his  existence,  had  he  not  parried 
itfl  effbctfi  by  throwing  up  his  left  hand,  on  which 
he  received  a  severe  wound,  the  mark  of  which  he 
bears  to  this  hour.  His  brother,  at  the  same  time, 
for  a  similar  offence,  received  a  deep  cut  on  the 
head,  which  subsequently  occasioned  his  death. 
They  were  both  now  taken  to  jail,  where,  aepa 
rated  and  confined,  they  were  treated  with  marked 
severity,  until  a  few  days  after  the  battle  before 
Camden,  when,  in  consequence  of  a  partial  ex- 
change, effected  by  the  intercessions  and  exer- 
tions of  their  mother,  and  Captain  Walker,  of  the 
militia,  they  were  both  released  from  confinement 
Robert,  during  his  confinement  in  prison,  had  suf- 
fered greatly  ;  the  wound  on  his  head,  all  this  time, 
having  never  been  dressed,  was  followed  by  an  in- 
flammation of  the  brain,  which,  in  a  few  days  after 
his  liberation,  brought  him  to  the  grave.  To  add 
to  the  afflictions  of  Andrew,  his  mother,  worn 
down  by  grief,  and  her  incessant  exertions  to  pro 
vide  clothing  and  other  comforts  for  the  suffering 
prisoners,  who  had  been  taken  from  her  neigh- 
bourhood, expired  in  a  few  weeks  after  her  son, 
near  the  lines  of  the  enemy,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Charleston.  Andrew,  the  last  and  only  surviving 
child,  confined  to  a  bed  of  sickness,  occasioned  by 
the  suflferings  he  had  been  compelled  to  undergo 
whilst  a  prisoner,  and  by  getting  wet,  on  his  return 
from  captivity,  was  thus  left  in  the  wide  world, 
without  a  human  being  with  whom  he  could  claim 
a  near  relationship.  The  small  pox,  about  the 
%ame  time,  having  made  its  appearance  upon  him 
had  well  nigh  terminated  his  sorrowi  and  hie  «z 
tftenee. 


18  UfV   or   OINBRAL  JACESOK. 

HtTinf  tt  length  recovered  &om  hii  complk 
c&ted  afflictiooB)  be  entered  upon  the  enjojment 
of  hiB  estate,  which,  although  small,  would  have 
been  sufficient,  under  prudent  management,  to  have 
completed  hia  education,  on  the  liberal  scale  which 
his  mother  had  designed.  Unfortunately,  however, 
he,  like  too  many  young  men,  sacrificing  future 
prospects  to  present  gratification,  expended  it  with 
rather  too  grofuse  a  hand.  Foreseeing  that  he 
should  be  finally  obliged  to  rely  on  his  own  ex- 
ertions, for  support  and  success  in  life,  he  again 
betook  himself  to  his  studies  with  increased  in- 
dustry. He  recommenced  under  Mr.  M'Culloch, 
ji  that  part  of  Carolina  which  was  then  called  the 
New  Acquisition,  near  Hill's  iron  works.  Here 
he  revised  the  languages,  devoting  a  portion  of  his 
time  to  a  desultory  course  of  studies. 

His  education  being  now  completed,  so  far  a« 
his  wasted  patrimony,  and  the  limited  opportuni- 
ties then  afforded  in  that  section  of  the  country, 
would  permit,  at  tlie  age  of  eighteen,  he  turned  his 
attention  to  acquiring  a  profession,  and  in  preparing 
himself  to  enter  on  the  busy  scenes  of  life.  The 
pulpit,  for  which  he  had  been  designed  by  his 
mother,  was  now  abandoned  for  the  bar;  and,  in 
the  winter  of  1784,  he  repaired  to  Salisbury,  in 
North  Carolina,  and  commenced  the  study  of  law 
/under  Spruce  M'Cay,  Esq.,  (afterwards  one  of  the 
judges  of  that  state,)  and  subsequently  continued  it 
under  Colonel  John  Stokes.  Having  remained  at 
Salisuury  until  the  winter  of  1786,  he  obtained  a 
license  from  the  judges  to  practise  law,  and  con- 
tinued in  tl:e  state  until  the  spring  of  1788. 

The  western  parta  of  the  state  of  Tennesiee 
vere.  about  this  tiine,  often  spoken  of,  m  preaanting 


Um    Oy  MlflRAL  lAOUOM.  It 


flattering  prospect*  to  adventarera.  He 
diately  determined  to  accompany  Judge  M*Nairy 
thither,  who  had  been  appointed,  and  was  going 
out  to  hold  the  first  supreme  court  that  had  ever 
sat  in  the  state.  Having  reached  the  Holston,  they 
ascertained  it  would  be  impossible  to  arrive  at  the 
time  appointed  for  the  sessior  of  the  court ;  and 
therefore  determined  to  remain  in  that  section  of 
country  until  fall.  They  reached  Nashville  in  Oc- 
tober. It  had  not  been  Jackson's  intention,  certain- 
ly, to  make  Tennessee  the  place  of  his  future  resi- 
dence ;  hif  visit  was  merely  experimental,  and  his 
stay  remained  to  be  determined  by  the  advantages 
that  might  be  disclosed  ;  but  finding,  soon  ^er  his 
arrival,  that  a  considerable  opening  was  offered  for 
the  success  of  a  young  attorney,  he  determined  to 
remain,  though  the  prospect  before  him  was,  cer- 
tainly, not  of  an  encouraging  cast  As  in  all  newly 
settled  countries  must  be  the  case,  society  was 
loosely  formed,  and  united  by  but  few  of  those  ties 
which  have  a  tendency  to  enforce  the  performance 
of  moral  duty,  and  the  right  execution  of  justice. 
The  young  men  of  the  place,  adventurers  from  dif- 
ferent sections  of  the  country,  had  become  indebted 
to  the  merchants;  there  was  but  one  lawyer  in 
the  country,  and  they  had  so  contrived,  as  to  retain 
him  in  their  business ;  the  consequence  was,  that 
the  merchants  were  entirely  deprived  of  the  means 
of  enforcing  against  those  gentlemen  the  execu- 
tion of  their  contracts.  In  this  state  of  things  Jack- 
son made  his  appearance  at  Nashville,  and  while 
the  creditor  class  looked  to  it  with  great  satis- 
faction, the  debtors  were  sorely  displeased.  Appli- 
cations were  immediately  made  to  him  for  his  pro- 
fessional services,  and  on  the  morning  after  hit 
2* 


19  ura  or  aBMVRAL  ixckmom. 

irrifil  he  intted  seventy  writs.  To  thoee  proit- 
ft]  gentlemen,  it  was  an  alanning  circumstance 
their  former  aecurity  was  impaired ;  but,  that  it 
might  not  wholly  depart,  they  determined  to  force 
him,  in  some  way  or  other,  to  leave  the  country ; 
and,  to  effect  this,  broils  and  quarrels  with  him 
were  to  be  resorted  to.  This,  however,  was  soon 
abandoned,  satisfied  by  the  first  controversy  in 
which  they  had  involved  him,  that  his  decision  and 
firmness  were  such  as  to  leave  no  hope  of  eflffecting 
any  thing  through  this  channel.  Disregarding  the 
opposition  raised  to  him,  he  continued,  with  care 
and  industry,  to  press  forward  in  his  professional 
course,  and  his  attention  soon  brought  him  forward, 
and  introduced  him  to  a  profitable  practice.  He 
was  subsequently  appointed  attorney-general  for 
the  district,  in  which  capacity  he  continued  to  act 
for  several  years. 

Indian  depredation^  being  then  frequent  on  the 
Cumberland,  every  man,  of  necessity,  became  a 
soldier  Unassisted  by  the  government,  the  set- 
tlers were  forced  to  rely  for  security  on  their  own 
bravery  and  exertions.  Although  young,  no  per 
son  was  more  distinguished  than  Andrew  Jack- 
son, in  defending  the  country  against  these  preda- 
tory incursions  of  the  savages,  who  continually 
harassed  the  frontiers,  and  not  unfrequently  ap- 
proached the  heart  of  the  settlements,  which  were 
thin,  but  not  widely  extended.  He  aided  alike  in 
garrisoning  the  forts,  and  in  pursuing  and  chastis- 
ing the  enemy. 

In  the  year  1796,  having,  by  his  patriotism,  firm- 
ness and  talents,  secured  to  himself  a  distinguished 
standing,  h«  was  chosen  one  of  the  members  of  ths 
convention  for  establishmg  a  constitution  for  the 


UF*   OP   GIlflKAL  JACKION.  H 

•Cat*.  Hif  good  conduct  and  zeal  brougkt  kia 
more  prominently  to  view ;  and,  without  propofinf 
or  Boliciting,  he  was,  in  the  same  year,  elected  a 
member  of  the  house  of  representativ.es,  in  con- 
grresfl,  for  the  state  of  Tennessee.  The  following 
year,  his  reputation  continuing  to  increase,  he  was 
chosen  a  senator  of  the  United  States'  congress, 
and  took  his  seat  on  the  22d  day  of  November, 
1797.  About  the  middle  of  April,  business  of  an 
important  and  private  nature  imposed  on  him  the 
necessity  of  asking  leave  of  absence,  and  return- 
ing home.  Leave  was  granted,  and  before  the 
next  session  he  resigned  his  seat  He  was  but 
a  little  more  than  thirty  years  of  age,  and  hence, 
scarcely  eligible,  by  the  constitution,  at  the  time 
he  was  elected.  The  sedition  law  was  introduced 
into  the  senate,  by  Mr.  Lloyd,  of  Maryland,  in 
June,  and  passed  that  body  on  the  4th  of  July  fol- 
lowing ;  hence  the  name  of  Jackson,  owing  to  the 
leave  of  absence  which  had  been  granted  him  in 
April,  does  not  appear  on  the  journals.  On  the 
alien  law,  however,  and  the  effort  to  repeal  the 
■tamp  act,  he  was  present,  resting  in  the  minority. 

The  state  of  Tennessee,  on  its  admission  into 
the  Union,  comprising  but  one  military  division, 
and  General  Conway,  who  commanded  it,  as  major- 
general,  djring  about  this  time,  Jackson,  without 
being  consulted  on  the  subject,  wa«,  a«  the  con- 
stitution of  the  state  directs,  chosen  by  the  field 
officers  to  succeed  him ;  which  appointment  he  con- 
tinued to  hold  until  May,  1814,  when  he  was  con 
stituted  a  major-general  in  the  United  States*  ser 
▼lee. 

Mtotaang  tired  of  political  life,  for  the  iitriguM 
if  whkh  ht  declared  hmiself  unqualified,  and  kav- 


n  UWlt    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON 

mg  for  two  years  voted  in  the  minority  in  congr«M, 
he  resigned,  afler  the  first  session,  iiis  seat  in  the 
senate.  To  this  measure  he  was  strongly  in- 
duced, from  a  desire  to  make  way  for  General 
Smith,  who,  he  conjectured,  would,  in  that  capaci- 
ty, be  able  to  render  more  important  services  to  the 
government  than  himself.  His  country,  unwilling 
that  his  talents  should  remain  inactive  and  unem- 
ployed, again  demanded  his  services.  Immediate- 
ly afler  his  resignation,  he  was  appointed  one  of 
the  judges  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  state.  He 
advanced  to  the  office  witli  reluctance,  and  in  a  short 
time  resigned,  leaving  it  open  for  those,  who,  he 
believed,  were  better  qualified  than  hunself,  to  dis- 
charge its  intricate  and  i  .portarit  duties.  Unam- 
bitious of  those  distinctions  and  honours  which 
young  men  are  usually  proud  to  possess  ;  finding, 
too,  that  his  circumstances  and  condition  in  life 
were  not  auch  as  to*  permit  his  time  and  attention 
10  be  devoted  to  public  matters,  he  determined  to 
yield  them  into  others'  hands,  and  to  devote  him- 
«elf  to  agricultural  pursuits  ;  and  accordingly  set- 
tled himself  on  an  excellent  farm,  ten  miles  from 
Nashville,  on  the  Cumberland  river ;  where,  for 
several  years,  he  enjoyed  all  the  comforts  of  do- 
mestic and  social  intercourse.  Abstracted  from 
tlie  busy  scenes  of  public  life,  pleased  with  retire- 
ment, surrounded  by  friends  whom  he  loved,  and 
who  entertamed  for  him  the  highest  veneration 
and  respect,  and  blessed  with  an  amiable  and  affec- 
tionate consort,  nothing  seemed  wanting  to  the  com- 
pletion of  that  happiness  which  be  so  anxiously 
desired  whilst  in  office. 

Groat  Britain,  by  multiplied  outnget  on  oar 
rif  hta,  u  an  independent  and  neutral  natiaii,  ham 


LIFB    OP    GBNERAL   JACRtON.  tt 

provoked  from  our  government  a  declaration  of  wmt 
igainst  her.  This  measure,  though  founded  in 
abundant  cause,  had  been  long  forborne,  and  ev- 
ery attempt  at  reconciliation  made,  without  effect ; 
when,  at  length,  it  was  resorted  to,  as  the  only  al- 
ternative that  could  preserve  the  honour  and  dig- 
nity of  the  nation,  General  Jackson,  ever  devoted  to 
the  interests  of  his  country,  from  the  moment  of 
the  declaration,  knew  no  wish  so  strong  as  that 
of  entering  into  her  service,  against  a  power, 
which,  independent  of  public  considerations,  he 
had  many  private  reasons  for  disliking.  In  her, 
he  could  trace  sufferings  and  injuries  received, 
and  the  efficient  cause,  why,  in  early  life,  he  had 
been  left  forlorn  and  wretched,  withoMt  a  single 
relation  in  the  world.  His  proud  and  inflexible 
mind,  however,  could  not  venture  to  solicit  an  ap- 
pointment in  the  army,  which  was  about  to  be  rais- 
ed. He  accordingly  remained  wholly  unknown^ 
until,  at  the  head  of  the  militia,  employed  against 
the  Creek  Indians,  his  constant  vigilance,  and  the 
splendour  of  his  victories,  apprized  the  genera! 
government  of  those  great  military  talents  which 
he  so  eminently  possessed,  and  conspicuously  dis- 
played, when  opportunities  for  exerting  them  were 
afforded. 

The  acts  of  congress  of  the  6th  of  February 
tud  July,  1812,  afforded  the  means  of  bringing  in 
to  view  a  display  of  those  powers,  which,  being 
unknown,  under  other  circumstances,  unfortunate 
ly,  might  have  slumbered  in  inaction.  Under  th4 
authority  of  these  acts,  authorizing  the  president 
to  accept  the  services  of  fifty  thousand  volunteers. 
he  addressed  the  citizens  of  his  diviucMi,  wai 
tveaty-five   hundred   flocked  to  his  ■taiidaf4'     ^ 


t4  Un   OF   GENBRAL  JACKSON. 

lender  of  them  having  been  made,  and  the  oflfer  Ae- 
cepted,  in  November  he  received  orders  to  plac« 
himself  at  their  head  and  to  descend  the  Missis- 
gippi,  for  the  defence  of  the  lower  country,  which 
was  then  supposed  to  be  in  danger.  On  the  lOtb 
of  December,  those  troops  rendezvoused  at  Nash- 
ville, prepared  to  advance  to  the  place  of  their  des 
tination;  and,  although  the  weather  was  then  ex* 
sessively  severe,  and  the  ground  covered  with 
snow,  no  troops  could  have  displayed  greater  firm- 
ness. The  general  waa  every  where  with  them,  in- 
spiring them  with  the  ardour  that  animated  hii 
own  bosom. 

Having  procured  supplies,  and  made  the  necessa- 
ry arrangements  for  an  active  campaign,  they  pro* 
ceeded,  the  7th  of  January,  on  their  journey ;  and, 
descending  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi,  through  cold 
and  ice,  arrived,  and  halted  at  Natchez.  Here 
Jackson  had  been  iiistructed  to  remain,  until  he 
should  receive  further  orders.  Having  chosen  a 
healthy  site  for  the  encampment  of  his  troops, 
about  two  miles  from  Washington,  he  devoted  hii 
time,  with  the  utmost  industry,  to  training  and  pre- 
paring them  for  active  service.  The  clouds  of 
war,  however,  in  that  quarter,  having  blown  over, 
an  order  was  received  from  the  secretary  of  war, 
dated  the  5th  of  January,  directing  him,  on  the  re- 
ceipt thereof,  to  dismiss  those  under  his  conmiand 
from  service,  and  to  take  measures  for  delivering 
over  every  article  of  public  property,  in  his  pos 
•easion,  to  Brigadier-General  Wilkinson.  When 
thifl  order  reached  his  camp,  there  were  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  on  the  sick  report,  fifly-six  of  whom 
were  unable  to  raise  their  heads,  and  almoet  the 
ffbote  of  them  destitute  of  the  meant  of  defhtv- 


Uni  OF  ««lfSRAL  f4CKIOII.  t$ 

ing  the  ezpeiuei  of  their  return.  The  eon«eqiieiioe 
of  a  strict  compliance  with  the  secretary's  or- 
der inevitably  would  have  been,  that  many  of  the 
X  sick  must  have  perished,  whilst  most  of  the  others^ 
from  their  destitute  condition,  would,  of  necessity, 
have  been  compelled  to  enlist  in  the  regular  army, 
under  General  Wilkinson.  Such  alternatives  were 
neither  congenial  with  their  general's  wishes,  nor 
such  as  they  had  expected,  on  adventuring  with 
him  in  the  service  of  their  country ;  he  had  carried 
them  from  home,  and,  the  fate  of  war  and  disease 
apart,  it  was  his  duty,  he  believed,  to  bring  thera 
back.  To  have  abandoned  them,  therefore,  at 
such  a  time,  and  under  such  circumstances,  would 
have  drawn  on  him  the  merited  censure  of  the 
most  deserving  part  of  his  fellow-citizens,  and  sen- 
sibly wounded  his  own  generous  feelings.  Add  to 
this,  those  young  men  who  were  confined  by  sick- 
ness, learning  the  nature  of  the  order  he  had  re- 
ceived^ implored  him,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  not 
to  abandon  them  in  so  great  an  extremity,  remind- 
ing him,  at  the  same  time,  of  his  assurances,  that 
he  would  be  to  them  as  a  father,  and  of  the  im- 
plicit confidence  they  had  placed  in  his  word  This 
was  an  appeal,  which  it  would  have  been  diflicult 
for  the  feelings  of  Jackson  to  have  resisted,  had  it 
been  without  the  support  of  other  weighty  consid- 
erations ;  but,  influenced  by  them  all,  he  had  no 
hesitation  in  coming  to  a  determination. 

Having  made  known  his  resolution  to  the  field- 
officers  of  his  division,  it  met,  apparently,  their  ap 
probation;  but,  after  retiring  from  his  presence, 
they  assembled  late  at  night,  in  secret  caucus,  and 
proceeded  to  recommend  to  him  an  abandonment 
ef  his  purpose,  and  an  unmediate  discharge  of  bis 


M  idwm  or  aiirsRAL  jacksom. 

troops.  Great  u  wm  the  utonuhmeHt,  wkick  tkia 
mewure  excited  in  the  general,  it  produced  a  itil] 
higher  ■entiinent  of  indignation.  In  reply,  he  urg- 
ed the  duplicity  of  their  conduct,  and  reminded 
them,  that,  although  to  those  who  possessed  funds 
and  health,  such  a  course  could  produce  no  incon 
venience,  yet  to  the  imfortunate  soldier,  who  was 
alike  destitute  of  both,  no  measure  could  be  more 
calamitous.  He  concluded  by  telling  them,  that 
his  resolution,  not  haviBg  been  hastily  concluded 
on,  nor  bottomed  on  light  considerations,  was  un- 
alterably fixed ;  and  that  immediate  preparations 
must  be  made  for  carrying  into  execution  the  de- 
termination he  had  formed. 

He  lost  no  time  in  making  known  to  the  sec- 
retary of  war  the  resolution  he  had  adopted ;  to 
disregard  the  order  he  had  given,  and  to  return  hia 
army  to  the  place  where  he  had  received  it  He 
painted  in  strong  terms  the  evils  which  the  course 
pursued  by  the  government  was  calculated  to  pro- 
duce, and  expressed  the  astonishment  he  ftlt,  that 
it  should  have  originated  with  the  faraoua  author 
of  the  "Newburg  Letters,"  the  once  redoubted 
advocate  of  soldiers*  rights. 

General  Wilkinson,  to  whom  the  public  proper- 
ty was  directed  to  be  delivered,  learning  the  de- 
termination which  had  been  taken  by  Jackson,  to 
march  his  troops  back,  and  to  take  with  them  so 
much  of  that  property  as  should  be  necessary  to 
their  return,  in  a  letter  of  solemn  and  mysterious 
u^port,  admonished  him  of  the  consequences  which 
were  before  him,  and  of  the  awful  and  dangerous 
responsibility  he  was  taking  on  himself,  by  so  bold 
a  measure.  General  Jackson  replied,  that  his  con- 
duct, and  the  consequences  to  which  it  might  lead. 


Ufl  or  CIIVIEAL  f AOKffOir.  17 

ImmI  >mb  well  confidered,  and  that  he  was  prepared 
to  abide  the  reiult,  whatever  it  might  be.  Wilkin- 
fon  had  previously  given  orders  to  his  officers  to 
recruit  from  Jackson^s  army ;  they  were  advised^ 
however,  on  their  first  appearance,  that  those  troops 
were  already  in  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
and  that,  thus  situated,  they  should  not  be  enlisted ; 
and  that  he  would  arrest  and  confine  the  first  offi- 
cer who  dared  to  enter  his  encampment  with  any 
such  object  in  view. 

The  quarter-maater,  having  been  ordered  ti 
furnish  the  necessary  transportation  for  the  con 
veyance  of  the  sick  and  the  baggage  to  Tennes 
see,  immediately  set  about  the  performance  of  th^ 
task ;  but,  as  the  event  proved,  with  not  the  least 
intention  of  executing  it  Still,  he  continued  to 
keep  up  the  semblance  of  exertion  ;  and,  the  bet- 
ter to  deceive,  the  very  day  before  that  which  had 
been  appointed  for  breaking  up  the  encampment, 
and  conmiencing  the  return  march,  eleven  wagons 
arrived  there  by  his  order.  The  next  morning, 
however,  when  every  thing  was  about  to  be  packed 
up,  acting  doubtless  from  orders,  and  intending  to 
produce  embarrassment,  the  quarter-maater  entered 
the  encampment,  and  discharged  the  whole.  He 
was  grossly  mistaken  in  the  man  he  had  to  deal 
with,  and  had  now  played  his  tricks  too  far  to  be 
able  to  accomplish  the  object  which  he  had,  no 
doubt,  been  instructed  to  effect.  Disregarding 
their  dismissal,  *80  evidently  designed  to  prevent 
his  marching  back  his  men.  General  Jackson  seiz- 
ed upon  these  wagons,  yet  within  his  lines,  and  com- 
pelled them  to  proceed  to  the  transportation  of  hia 
fick.  It  deserves  to  be  recollected,  that  this  quar> 
ter-roaster,  so  soon  as  he  received  directions  fo* 
3 


fbrnishing  transportation,  had  despatched  an  ex- 
press to  General  Wilkinson ;  and  there  can  be  but 
little  doubt,  that  the  course  of  duplicity  he  after- 
tvards  pursued,  was  a  concerted  plan  between  him 
and  that  general,  to  defeat  the  design  of  Jackson  ; 
compel  him  to  abandon  the  course  he  had  adopted ; 

nd,  in  this  way,  draw  to  the  regular  army  many 
of  the  soldiers,  who,  from  necessity,  would  be  driv- 
en to  enlist.  In  this  attempt  they  were  fortunately 
disappointed.  Adhering  to  his  original  purpose 
he  successfully  resisted  every  stratagem  of  Wilkin- 
son, and  marched  the  whole  of  his  division  to  the 
section  of  country  whence  they  had  been  drawn, 
aiiii  dismissed  them  from  lerrice,  as  he  had  beer 

nstructed. 

To  present  an  example  that  might  baoy  up  the 
sinking  spirita  of  his  troops  in  the  arduous  march, 
he  yielded  up  his  horses  to  the  sick,  and,  trudging 
on  foot,  encountered  .all  the  bardsbips  that  were 
met  by  the  soldiers.  It  was  at,  a  time  of  the  yeai, 
when  the  roads  were  extremely  bad,  and  the 
swamps,  lying  in  their  passage,  deep  and  full ;  yet> 
under  these  circumstances,  he  placed  before  his 
troops  an  example  of  patience  and  hardship,  tha\. 
lulled  to  silence  all  complaints,  and  won  to  him. 
gtill  stronger  than  before,  the  esteem  and  respect 
of  every  one.  On  arnving  at  Nashville,  he  com- 
municated to  the  president  of  the  United  States 
the  course  he  had  pursued,  and  the  reasons  that 
had  induced  it  If  it  had  become  necessary,  he 
had  Bufficient  grounds  on  which  he  could  have  jus 
tified  hia  conduct  Had  he  suffered  General  Wil- 
kinion  to  have  accomplished  what  waa  clearly  his 
intention,  although  it  was  on  event  which  might, 
at  the  moment,  haxe  benefited  the  fenrice,  by  add 


Uni   aP   •KHKEAI.   JACKfOV.  ff 

iif  IB  ucraued  strength  to  the  anny,  yet  the  ex- 
an^Ie  wevid  have  been  of  bo  serioaii  aid  excep- 
tionable a  character,  that  injury  would  ha^e  been 
the  final  and  unavoidable  result  Hie  conduct,  te* 
rible  aa  it  first  appeared,  was  in  the  end  approved, 
and  the  expenses  incurred  directed  to  be  paid  bv 
(be  yttvera— t 


lilFB    or    SElTftAAl.   JACKtO* 


CHAPTER  n. 

ttitiaM  frrparatvon  far  hottUUies. —  Tectaueh  arrtea  camongst  tfa 
touthtm  tribe* :  his  inirigues. — Civil  wart  oftht  Creeks. — De- 
druction  of,  attd  butchery  at  Fort  Mimms. — Expedition  against 
iht  indians. — Jackson  unites  with  the  arm^,  ana  enters  the  ene- 
My'j  country. — Scarcity  of  tuppUes  in  hu  camp. — Learns  the 
tcasages  are  unbodied. — S^ks  to  form  a  Junction  urith  the  East 
Tetmessee  division.— Detachu  General  Coffet  across  the  Coosa. 
—BatiU  of  TaUushatchee, 

The  volunteers,  who  had  descended  the  river, 
having  been  discharged  early  in  May,  there  was 
little  expectation  that  they  would  again  be  called 
for.  Tennessee  was  too  remotely  situated  in  the 
interior  of  the  country  to  expect  their  services 
would  be  required  for  her  defence,  and  hitherto 
the  British  had  discovered  no  serious  intention  of 
waging  operations  against  any  part  of  Louisiana. 
Their  repose,  however,  was  not  of  long  duration. 
The  Creek  Indians,  inhabiting  the  country  lying 
between  the  Chatahochee  and  Tombigbee,  and  ex- 
tending from  the  Tennessee  River  to  the  Florida 
line,  had  lately  manifested  strong  symptoms  of 
hostility  towards  the  United  States,  from  which 
they  had  received  yearly  pensions,  and  every  as- 
sistance which  the  most  liberal  policy  could  bestow* 
This  disposition  was  greatly  strengthened,  through 
means  used  by  the  northern  Indians,  who  were 
then  making  preparations  for  a  war  against  the 
United  States,  and  who  wished  to  engage  tht 
southern  tribes  in  the  same  enterprise. 

An  artliil  impostor  had,  about  this  time,  sprnif 
■p  amongat  the  Bhawnees,  who^  by  punag  tbt  a 


Lira  or  eBifmRAL  jacksow.  SI 

prophet,  eomnuMioiwd  by  the  **  Great  Sj^rit"  to 
eommimiemto  hi*  Bumdates  to  his  red  children,  had 
aeqaired,  among  his  own  and  the  neighbouring 
tribea,  a«toniahing  influence.  Clothed,  a«  tboy  be- 
lieved him  to  be,  with  such  high  powers,  they  lis- 
tened to  his  extravagant  doctrines,  and  in  them  fiilly 
confided.  He  succeeded  in  kindling  a  rage  against 
the  Anglo-Americans,  which  soon  after  burst  forth 
in  acts  of  destructiTe  violence.  His  brother,  Te- 
cnmseh,  who  became  so  famous  during  the  war,  and 
who  was  killed  subsequently,  at  the  battle  of  the 
Thames,  was  despatched  to  the  southern  tribes,  to 
excite  in  them  the  same  temper.  To  the  Creeks, 
by  far  the  most  numerous  and  powerful,  he  directed 
his  principal  attention.  Having  entered  their  na- 
tion, some  time  in  the  spring  of  1812,  he  repaired 
to  Tookaubatcha,  where  he  had  repeated  confer- 
ences with  the  chiefs;  but,  not  meeting  with  the 
encouragement  he  expected,  returned  to  the  Ala- 
kama,  which  he  had  previously  visited,  and  there 
commenced  operations. 

Finding  there  several  leaders  of  great  influence, 
who  entered  into  his  views,  he  was  enabled  to  carry 
on  his  schemes  with  greater  success.  Deriving  his 
powers  from  his  brother,  the  Prophet^  whose  extnk- 
erdinary  conmiission  and  endowments  were  weU 
understood  by  all  the  neighbouring  tribes  in  the 
south,  his  auUiority  was  regarded  with  the  highest 
veneration.  He  strongly  interdicted  all  intercourse 
with  the  whites,  and  prevailed  on  the  greater  part 
of  the  Alabama  Indians  to  throw  aside  the  imple- 
ments and  clothing  which  that  intercourse  had  fbr- 
aiihed,  and  return  again  to  their  savage  state,  ftom 
which  he  represented  them  as  highly  culptblt  fbr 
kiviag  suflered  themselves  to  be  MtnagML  It 
3* 


n  uwm  or  AiNSRAi.  iAcssoa. 

t  wor4,  no  me&ns  were  left  untried  to  ezoitt 
to  the  moet  deadly  animoaity  and  cruel  ww.  To 
aflbrd  additional  weight  to  hia  council*,  this  do- 
ngnlnf  miiiionary  gave  aaiurances  of  aid  and  rap- 
port from  Great  Bntain ;  whoee  power  and  riehea 
he  repreaented  aa  almoet  without  limita,  and  quite 
•ufficient  for  the  subjugation  of  the  United  Statea. 
So  conaiderable  an  influence  did  his  intrigues  and 
diacourses  obtain  over  the  niinda  of  many,  that  it 
waa  with  difficulty  the  most  turbulent  of  them  could 
be  restrained  from  running  immediately  to  arma, 
and  committing  depredations  cm  the  exposed  froBr 
tion.  This  hasty  measure,  however  he  represent- 
•d  aa  calculated  to  defeat  the  great  plan  of  opera- 
tiosa  which  he  waa  labouring  to  concert ;  and  en- 
joined the  utmost  secrecy  and  quietness,  until  the 
moment  should  arrive,  when,  all  their  preparationa 
being  ready,  they  might  be  able  to  strike  a  doci- 
aive  blow ;  in  the  mean  time,  they  were  to  be  indue 
trioualy  employed  in  collecting  arma  and  ammu- 
nition, and  other  necessary  implements  of  war. 

Having  ordained  a  chief  prophet,  whose  word 
waa  to  be  regarded  as  infallible,  and  whose  diree- 
tiona  were  to  be  implicitly  followed,  and  established 
a  regular  gradation  of  inferior  dependanta,  to  dia- 
aeminate  hia  doctrines  through  the  different  parts 
of  the  nation,  Tecomseh  set  oat  to  his  own  tribe, 
accompanied  by  several  of  the  natives. 

From  this  time,  a  regular  conmiunieation  wia 
kept  np  between  the  Creeka  and  the  northern 
tribea,  in  relation  to  the  great  enterprise  which 
they  were  concerting  together;  whilst  the  partiea 
eanjing  it  on  committed  frequent  depredations  oo 
tbi  froatier  aetders.  By  one  of  these,  in  the  wui- 
wm  of  ISia,  aoToral  ftuailieo  had  booB  anrdoiod 


UTB   or  ^EK%i*L   fACHSON.  tS 

in  a  ahoeking  maimer,  ne&/  tbe  roouth  of  the  Ohio 
and,  shortly  afterward  i,  ar:>ii]3T  party,  entering  the 
limita  of  Tenneasee,"  under  circumstances  of  atih 
greater  barbarity,  butchered  tv;o  families  of  women 
and  children.  Similar  outrages  were  committed  on 
the  frontiers  of  Georgia,  and  were  continued,  at 
intervals,  on  the  inhabitants  of  Tennessee,  along 
her  southern  boundary. 

These  multiplied  outrages,  at  length,  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  general  government,  and  ap- 
plication was  made,  through  their  agent,  (Colonel 
Hawkins,)  to  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  nation, 
who,  desirous  of  preserving  their  friendly  relation 
with  the  United  States,  resolved  to  punish  the 
murderers  with  death ;  and  immediately  appointed 
a  party  of  warriors  to  carry  their  determination 
into  execution.  No  sooner  was  this  done,  than  the 
spirit  of  the  greater  part  of  the  nation,  which,  from 
policy,  had  been  kept,  in  a  considerable  degree, 
dormant,  suddenly  burst  into  a  fame,  and  kindled 
;jito  civil  war. 

It  was  not  difficult  for  the  friends  of  those  mur 
derers,  who  had  been  put  to  death,  to  prevail  on 
others,  who  secretly  applauded  the  acts  for  which 
they  suffered,  to  enter  warmly  into  their  resent 
ments  against  those  who  had  been  concerned  In 
bringmg  them  to  pumshment.  An  occasion  as 
they  believed,  was  now  presented  which  fiiUy  au- 
thorizea  them  to  throw  aside  all  those  mjunctions 
of  secrecy  imposed  on  them  by  Tecumseh  and 
their  prophets.  They  now  resolved  to  lay  aside  all 
restraint,  and  execute  at  once  their  insatiate  and 
long -projected  vengeance,  not  only  on  the  white 
people,  but  on  those  of  their  own  naticNi,  who,  bj 


'i^- 

▼» 


•^:  ■;        \ 


thif  list  tct  of  retaliatory  justice,  had  unequiyocalljr, 
•hown   ft  cUsposition  to  preserve  their  ft'ien^^ip  * 
with  the  former.     The  war  clubs*  were  immeciiT  ^ 
ately  seen  in  every  section  of  the  nation;  butnipri^ 
Darticularly  among  the  numerous  hordes  resimn^  ^ 
near  Alabama.     Brandishing  these  in  their  han'^^-^ 
they  rushed,  in  the  first  instance,  on  those  of  their^  ' 
own  countrymen  who  had  shown  a  disposition  W 
preserve  their  relations  with  the  United  States,  and 
obliged  them  to  retire  towards  the  white  settle- 
ments, and  place  themselves  in  forts,  to  escape  the  ^ 
first  ebullition  of  their  rage.     Encouraged  by  this  * 
success,  and  their  numbers,  which  hourly  increas- 
ed, and  infatuated  to  the  highest  degree  by  the  . 
predictions  of  their  prophets,  who  assured  them  that 
the  "Great  Spirit"  was  on  their  side,  and  would 
enable  them  to  triumph  over  all  their  enemies,  they 
began  to  make  immediate  preparations  for  extend- 
ing their  ravages  to  the  white  settlements.     Fort 
Mimms,  situated  in  the  Tensaw  settlement,  in  the 
Mississippi  territory,,  was  the  first  point  destined  to 
satiate  their  vengeance.     It  contained,  at  that  time, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  under  the  conmiajid 
of  Major  Beasley,  besides  a  considerable  number  of 
women  and  children,  who  had  betaken  themselves 
to  it  for  security     Having  collected  a  supply  of 
anmiunition  from  the  Spaniards  at  Pensacola,  and 
assembled  their  warriors,  to  the  number  of  six  or 

*  IhstnuneDts  used  by  the  Indian  tribes  on  eommencing  hos- 
dllties;  and  which,  when  painted  red,  they  consider  a  declaration 
of  WW.  'ITiey  are  formed  of  a  stick,  about  eirhieen  inches  in 
length.  witJi  a  strong  piece  of  shaup  iron  aflSxed  at  the  end,  and 
resemble  a  hatchet.  They  use  them  principally  in  ponuit,  and 
after  they  have  bees  able  to  iotroduoe  coBBiiioB  into  tfae  naiu  . 


tlFB   OF   GENERAL. JACEBON.  W 

MTen  humired)  the  war  party,  commaDded  bjr 
Weatherford,  a  distinguiflhed  chief  of  the  nation,  on 
the  30th  of  August,  commenced  their  assault  on  Jie 
fort ;  and,  having  succeeded  in  carrying  it,  put  to_^; 
death  nearly  three  hundred  persons,  including 
women  and  children,  with  the  most  savage  barbari- 
ty. The  slaughter  was  indiscriminate :  -  mercy  was 
extended  to  none  ;  and  the  tomahawk,  at  the  aamo^*" 
stroke,  often  cleft  the  mother  and  the  child.  But 
aeventeen  of  the  whole  number  in  the  fort  escaped, 
to  brmg  intelligence  of  the  dreadful  catastrophe. 
This  monstrous  and  unprovoked  outrage  was  no 
sooner  known  in  Tennessee,  tlian  the  whole  state 
was  thrown  into  a  ferment.  Considerable  excite- 
ment had  already  been  produced  by  brutalities  of 
earlier  date,  and  measures  had  been  adopted  by 
the  governor,  in  conformity  with  instructions  from 
the  secretary  of  war,  for  commencing  a  Ct..  laign 
against  th^m^  but  the  massacre  at  Fort  Mimms, 
which  threatened  to  be  followed  by  the  entire  de- 
struction of  the  IMp^ile  anHTombigbee  settlements,, 
inspired  a  deep  £nd  universal  sentiment  of  solici-" 
tude,  and  an  earnest  wish  for  speedy  and  eifectual 
operations.  The  anxiety  felt  on  thq ,  occasion  was 
greatly  increased  from  an  apprehension  that  Gene- 
ral Jackson  would  not  be  able .  to  corjmand.  He 
was  the  only  man,  known  in  the  state,  who  waa 
believed  qualified  to  discharge  the  arduous  duties 
of  the  staticu,  and  who  could  carry  with  him  the 
complete  confidence  of  his  soldiers.  He  was  at 
tins  time  seriously  indisposed,  and  confined  to  his 
room,  with  ^  fractured  arm ;  but,  although  this  ap- 
piehension  iwas  seriously  indulged,  arrangements 
V^a^  L^  progress,  and  ii«asuras  industriQualy  taken. 


96  UFB  OF  OBNBRAL  lACKSOH. 

to  prepare  and  press  the  expedition  with  every  po»> 
sible  despatch. 

A  numerous  collection  of  respectable  citizen^ 
who  convened  at  Nashville  on  the  18th  of  Septem- 
ber, for  the  purpose  of  devising  the  most  effectual 
ways  and  means  of  affording  protection  to  their 
brethren  in  distress,  after  conferring  with  the  gov- 
ernor and  General  Jackson,  who  was  still  confined 
to  his  room,  strongly  advised  the  propriety  of  march- 
ing a  sufficient  army  into  the  heart  of  the  Creek  na- 
tion; and  accordingly  recommended  this  measure, 
with  great  earnestness,  to  the  legislature,  which, 
in  a  few  days  afterwards,  commenced  its  session. 
That  body,  penetrated  with  the  same  sentiments 
which  animated  the  whole  country,  immediately 
enacted  a  law,  authorizing  the  executive  to  call  into 
the  field  thirty-five  hundred  of  the  militia,  to  be 
marche'  against  the, Indians;  and,  to  guard  against 
all  diiticulties,  in  the  event  the  general  govern- 
ment should  omit  to  adopt  them  into  their  service, 
three  hundred  thousand  dollars  were  voted  for  their 
support 

The  settlers  were  fleeing  to  the  interior,  and 
every  day  brought  intelligence  that  the  Creeks, 
collected  in  considerable  force,  were  bending  theii 
course  towards  the  frontiers  of  Tennessee.  The 
governor  now  issued  an  order  to  General  Jackson, 
who,  notwithstanding  the  state  of  his  health,  had 
determined  to  assume  the  command,  requiring  him 
to  call  out,  and  rendezvous  at  Fayetteville,  in  the 
shortest  possible  time,  two  thousand  of  the  militia 
and  volunteers  of  his  division,  to  repel  any  invasion 
that  might  be  contemplated.  Colonel  Coffee,  is 
addition  to  five  hundred  cavalry,  already  raised,  un- 
der hif  conunand,  was  authorised  to  organiu  ini 


UFl   OF   eBNIRAL  JACKION.  t7 

receive  into  his  regiment  any  mountei  riflemeo 
that  might  make  a  tender  of  tiieir  se-rvices. 

Having  received  these  orders,  Jackson  hastened 
to  give  them  effect ;  and  witJi  thw  object  appealed 
to  those  volunteers,  who,  with  him,  had  heretofore 
descended  the  Mississippi  to  Natchez.  He  urged 
them  to  appear  at  the  rendezvous,  on  the  4th  of 
October,  equipped  for  active  service.  He  pointed 
out  the  imperious  necessity  which  demanded  their 
services,  and  urged  them  to  be  punctual;  for  their 
frontiers  were  threatened  by  a  savage  foe.  In  the 
mean  time,  until  this  force  could  be  collected  anc 
organized,  Colonel  Coffee,  with  tlie  force  then  un- 
der his  command,  and  such  additional  mounted 
riflemen  as  could  be  attached  at  a  short  notice, 
was  directed  to  hasten  forward  to  the  neighbourhood 
of  Huntsville,  and  occupy  some  eligible  position  for 
the  defence  of  the  frontier,  until  the  i^nfantry  should 
arrive ;  when  it  was  contemplated,  by  the  nearest 
possible  route,  to  press  on  to  Fort  St.  Stephen,  with 
a  view  to  the  protection  and  defence  of  Mississippi. 

Every  exertion  was  now  made  to  hasten  the  prep- 
arations for  a  vigorous  campaign.  Orders  were 
given  to  the  quarter-master,  to  furnish  the  neces- 
sary munitions,  with  tlie  proper  transportation ;  trnd 
to  the  contractors,  to  provide  ample  supplies  of  pro- 
visions. The  day  of  their  rendezvous  being  arriv 
ed,  and  the  general  not  being  sufficiently  recovered 
to  attend  in  person,  he  forwarded  by  his  aid-de- 
camp, Major  Reid,  an  address,  to  be  read  to  the 
troops,  accompanied  by  an  order  for  the  establish- 
ment of  the  police  of  tlie  camp. 

For  the  police  of  his  camp,  he  announced  the 
following  order : 


19        UWm   OF  aSNIEAL  JACKSON. 

<<The  chain  of  sentinels  will  be  marked,  and  the 
■entries  posted,  precisely  at  ten  o'clock  to-day. 

"No  sutler  will  be  suffered  to  sell  spirituoua 
liquors  to  any  soldier,  without  pernussion,  in  writ- 
ing, from  a  commissioned  officer,  under  the  penal- 
ties prescribed  by  the  rules  and  articles  of  war. 

"No  citizen  will  be  permitted  to  pass  the  chain 
of  sentinels,  after  retreat  beat  in  the  evening,  until 
reveille  in  the  morning.  Drunkenness,  the  bane  of 
all  orderly  encampments,  is  positively  forbidden, 
both  in  officers  and  privates:  officers,  under  the 
penalty  of  immediate  arrest;  and  privates,  of  being 
p!)aced  under  guard,  there  to  remain  until  liberated 
by  *»  court  martial. 

"  At  reveille  beat,  all  officers  and  soldiers  are  to 
appear  on  parade,  with  their  arms  and  accoutre- 
ments  in  proper  order. 

"On  parade,  silence,  the  duty  of  a  soldier,  u 
positively  conmaaaided. 

"  No  officer  or  soldier  is  to  sleep  out  of  camp, 
but  by  permission  obtained." 

These  rules,  to  those  who  had  scarcely  yet  ipasah 
ed  the  line  that  separates  the  citizen  from  the  sol 
dier,  and  who  had  not  yet  laid  aside  the  notions  of 
self-sovereignty,  had  the  appearance  of  too  much 
rigour ;  but  the  general  well  knew,  that  the  expe- 
dition in  which  they  wsre  embarked  involved  much 
hazard ;  and  that,  although  such  lively  feelings  were 
manifested  now,  yet,  when  hardships  pressed,  these 
might  cease. 

Impatient  to  join  his  division,  although  his  health 
was  far  from  being  restored,  his  arm  only  begin- 
ning to  heal,  the  general,  in  a  few  days  afterwards, 
set  out  for  the  encampment,  and  reached  it  oo  the 


Un  or  QBNIRAL  JAOSflOll  tf 

tk  Findiiig,  on  hk  arrival,  that  the  requudtioi 
wnm  not  complete,  either  in  the  number  of  men.  or 
the  necesaarj  equipments,  measures  were  instantly 
taken  to  remedy  the  deficiency.  Orders  were  di 
rected  to  the  several  brigadiers  in  his  division,  to 
hasten  immediately  their  respective  quotas,  flilly 
equipped  for  active  operations. 

Circun^tances  did  not  permit  him  to  remain  at 
this  place  long  enough  to  have  the  delinquencies 
complained  of  remedied,  and  the  ranks  of  his  army 
filled.  Colonel  Cofiee  had  proceeded  with  hk 
mounted  volunteers  to  cover  Huntsville,  and  give 
security  to  the  frontiers,  where  alarm  greatly  pre- 
vailed. On  the  night  of  the  8th,  a  letter  was  re- 
teiveJ  from  him,  dated  two  days  before,  advising, 
tli  it  two  Indians,  belonging  to  the  peace  party,  had 
just  arrived  at  the  Tennessee  River,  from  Chinna- 
by's  Fort,  on  the  Coosa,  with  information  that  the 
war  party  had  despatched  eight  hundred  or  a  thou- 
sand of  their  warriors  to  attack  the  frontiers  of 
Georgia;  and,  with  the  remainder  of  their  forces, 
were  marching  against  Huntsville,  or  Fort  Hamp- 
ton. In  consequence  of  this  intelligence,  exertions 
were  made  to  hasten  a  movement.  Late  on  the  fol- 
lowing night,  another  express  arrived,  confirming 
the  former  statement,  and  representing  the  enemy, 
in  great  force,  to  be  rapidly  approaching  the  Ten- 
nessee. Orders  were  now  given  for  preparing  the 
line  of  march,  and  by  nine  o'clock  the  next  day  the 
whole  division  was  in  motion.  They  had  not  pro- 
ceeded many  miles,  when  they  were  met  with  in 
telligence  that  Colonel  Gibson,  who  had  been  sent 
out  by  Coffee  to  reconnoitre  the  movements  of  the 
enemy,  had  been  killed  by  their  advance.  A  strong 
desire  had  been  manifested  to  be  led  forward ;  tnat 
4 


40  urm  op  generai.  jackson. 

denre  was  now  strengthened  by  the  information  Jul 
received ;  and  it  was  with  difficulty  their  emotions 
ocnld  be  restrained.  They  accelerated  their  pace 
and  before  eight  o'clock  at  night  arrived  at  Hunts- 
ville,  a  distance  of  thirty-two  miles.  Learning 
nere,  that  the  information  was  erroneous  which  had 
occasioned  do  hasty  a  movement,  the  general  en- 
camped his  troops ;  having  intended  to  march  them 
that  night  to  the  Tennessee  River  had  it  been  con- 
firmed. The  next  day  the  line  of  march  was  re- 
sumed. The  influence  of  the  late  excitement  was 
now  visible  in  the  lassitude  which  followed  its  re- 
moval. Proceeding  slowly,  they  crossed  the  Ten- 
nessee, at  Ditto's  Landing,  and  united  in  the  eve- 
ning with  Colonel  Coffee's  regiment,  which  had 
previously  occupied  a  commanding  bluff,  on  the 
south  bank  of  the  river.  Prom  this  place,  in  a  few 
days  afterwards,  Jackgon  detached  Colonel  Coffee, 
with  seven  hundred  men,  to  scour  the  Black  War- 
rior, a  stream  running  from  the  north-east,  and 
emptying  into  the  Tombigbee ;  on  which  were  sup- 
posed to  be  settled  several  populous  villages  of  the 
enemy.  He  himself  remained  at  this  encampment 
a  week,  using  the  utmost  pains  in  training  hia 
troops  for  service,  and  labouring  incessantly  to  pro- 
cure the  necessary  supplies  for  a  campaign,  which 
he  had  determined  to  carry  directly  into  the  heart 
of  the  enemy's  country. 

With  General  Cocke,  who  conunanded  the  divis- 
ion of  East  Tennessee  militia,  an  arrangement  had 
been  made  the  preceding  month,  in  which  he  had 
engaged  to  furnish  large  quantities  of  bread  stuff, 
at  Ditto's  Landing.  Tha  facility  of  procuring  it  in 
tiutt  quarter,  and  the  convenient  transportation  af- 
fbrded  by  the  river,  left  no  doubt  on  the  mind  Ob 


Uri  OF  GINKRAL  JACKSON.        41 

iaekfon  but  that  the  engagement  would  be  puncta* 
ally  complied  with.  To  provide,  however,  against 
the  bare  poflsibiiity  of  a  failure,  and  to  be  guarded 
tgainat  all  contingencies  that  might  happen,  he  had 
addressed  his  applications  to  various  other  sources. 
He  had,  on  the  same  subject  written  in  the  most 
pressing  manner  to  the  governor  of  Georgia,  with 
whose  forces  it  was  proposed  to  act  in  concert;  to 
Colorel  Meigg,  agent  to  tlie  Cherokee  nation  of  In- 
di&iis,  and  to  General  White,  who  commanded  the 
advance  of  the  East  Tennessee  troops.  Previously 
to  his  arrival  at  Huntsville,  he  had  received  assur- 
ances from  the  two  latter,  that  a  considerable  sup- 
ply of  flour,  for  the  use  of  his  army,  had  been  pro 
cured,  and  was  then  at  Hiwassee,  where  boats  were 
ready  to  transport  it.  From  General  Cocke,  about 
the  same  time,  a  letter  was  received ;  stating  that 
a  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of  flour  were  then  on 
the  way  to  his  encampment;  and  expressing  a  be- 
lief, that  he  should  be  able  to  procure,  and  forward 
on  immediately,  a  thousand  barrels  more.  With 
pressing  importunity,  he  had  addressed  himself  to 
the  contractors,  and  they  had  given  him  assurance 
that,  on  his  crossing  the  Tennessee,  they  would  be 
prepared  with  twenty  days*  rations  for  his  whole 
command ;  but  finding,  on  his  arrival  at  Ditto's,  that 
their  preparations  were  not  in  such  forwardness  ar 
he  had  been  led  to  expect,  he  was  compelled,  for  p 
time,  to  suspend  any  active  and  general  operations. 
Calculating,  however,  with  great  confidence  or 
exertions,  which,  he  had  been  promised,  should  be 
onremitting,  and  on  the  speedy  arrival  of  those  sup- 
plies descending  the  river,  which  had  been  already 
unaccountably  delayed,  he  hoped,  in  a  few  days,  to 
he  placed  in  a  situation  to  act  efficiently.    Whilst 


4f  uri  or  aKNBXAx  jackiok. 

Im  wm  encouraged  by  these  expectationfl,  and  oolj 
waitmg  their  ^filment,  that  he  might  advance, 
Shelocta,  the  son  of  Chinnaby,  a  principal  chief 
among  the  friendly  Creeks,  arrived  at  his  camp, 
to  solicit  his  speedy  movement  for  the  relief  of  his 
mther's  fort,  which  was  then  threatened  by  a  con- 
siderable body  of  the  war  party,  who  had  advanced 
to  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Ten  Islands,  on  the 
Coosa.  Influenced  by  his  representations,  and 
anxious  to  extend  relief,  Jackson,  on  the  18th,  gave 
orders  for  taking  up  the  line  of  march  on  the  fol 
lowing  day,  and  notified  the  contractors  of  this  ar- 
rangement, that  they  might  be  prepared  to  issue, 
immediately,  such  supplies  as  they  had  on  hand ; 
but,  to  his  great  astonishment,  he  then,  for  the  first 
time,  was  apprized  of  their  entire  inability  to  sup- 
ply him  whilst  on  his  march.  Having  drawn  what 
they  had  in  their  power  to  fiimish,  amounting  to 
only  a  few  days'  rations,  they  were  deposed  from 
office,  and  others  appointed,  on  whose  industry  and 
performance,  he  believed,  he  might  more  safely 
rely.  The  scarcity  of  his  provisions,  however,  at  a 
moment  like  the  present,  when  there  was  every  ap- 
pearance that  the  enemy  might  be  met,  and  a  blow 
stricken  to  advantage,  was  not  sufficient  to  wave 
his  determination.  The  route  he  would  have  to 
make,  to  gain  the  fort,  lay,  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance, up  the  river.  He  determined  to  proceed  •, 
and,  having  passed  his  army  and  baggage  wagons 
over  several  mountains  of  stupendous  size,  and 
such  as  were  thought  almost  impassable  by  foot 
passengers,  he  arrived,  on  the  22d  of  October,  at 
Thompson's  Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Tennes- 
•ee,  twenty-four  miles  above  Ditto'i.  At  thia  place 
be  proposed  the  establishment  %f  a  permanent  de- 


Ura  OP  OINERAL  lACElON.  48 

pot,  for  the  reception  of  aupplies,  to  be  eent  either 
up  or  down  the  river.     Disappointed  in  the  hopea 
with  which  he  bad  adventured  on  his  march,  he  le- 
raained  here  several  days,  in  expectation  of  the 
boats  that  were  coming  to  his  relief.     Thus  harass- 
ed at  the  first  onset,  by  difficulties  wholly  unex 
pected,  and  which,  from  the  numerous  and  strong 
assurances  received,  he  could  by  no  means  have 
calculated  on;  fearing,  too,  that  the  same  disregarr] 
of  duty  might  induce  a  continuance,  he  lost  no  time 
m  opening   every  avenue   to  expedient,   that  the 
chances  of  future  failure  might  be  diminished.     To 
General  Flournoy,   who  commanded  at  Mobile,  he 
applied,  urging  him  to  procure  bread  stuff,  and  have 
it  forwarded  up  the  Alabama  by  the  time  he  should 
arrive  on  that  river.     The  agent  of  the  Choctaws 
Colonel  M'Kee,  who  was  then  on  the  Tombigbee, 
was  addressed  in  the  same  style  of  entreaty.     Ex- 
presses were  despatched  to  General  White,  who, 
with  the  advance  of  the  East  Tennessee  division, 
had  arrived  at  the  Look-out  Mountain,  in  the  Cher- 
okee nation,  urging  him,  by  all  means,  to  hasten  on 
the  supplies.     The  assistance  of  the  governor  of 
Tennessee  was  also  earnestly  besought.     To  facili- 
tate exertion,  and  to  assure  success,  every  thing 
within  his  reach  was  attempted :  several  persons  of 
wealth  and  patriotism,  in  Madison  county,  were  so- 
licited to  afford  the  contractors  all  the  aid  in  their 
power ;  and,  to  induce  them  more  re'^.dily  to  extend 
it,  their  deep  interest,  immediately  at  stake,  was 
pointed  to,  and  their  deplorable  and  dangerous  situ- 
ation, should  necessity  compel  him  to  withdraw  his 
army,  and  leave  them  exposed  to  the  mercy  of  the 
savages. 


44  UPB    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON 

Whilst  these  measures  were  taking,  two  rui. 
ners,  from  Turkey  town,  an  Indian  village,  deu 
patched  by  Path-killer,  a  chief  of  the  Cherofeees, 
arrived  at  the  camp.  They  brought  information, 
that  the  enemy,  from  nine  of  the  hostile  towns, 
were  assembling  in  great  force  near  the  Ten 
Islands ;  and  solicited  that  immediate  assistance 
should  be  afforded  the  friendly  Creeks  and  Chero- 
kees,  in  their  neighbourhood,  who  were  exposed  to 
rfuch  imminent  danger.  His  want  of  provisions 
was  not  yet  remedied ;  but,  distributing  the  partia. 
supply  that  was  on  hand,  he  resolved  to  proceed,  m 
expectation  that  the  relief  he  had  so  earnestly 
looked  for,  would,  in  a  little  while,  arrive,  and  be 
forwarded  to  him. 

He  instructed  General  White  to  form  a  junction 
with  him,  and  to  hasten  on  all  the  supplies  in  his 
power  to  command ;  with  about  six  days'  rations 
of  meat,  and  less  than  two  of  meal,  he  again  put 
his  army  in  motion  to  meet  the  enemy.  Although 
there  was  some  hazard  in  advancing  into  a  country 
where  relief  was  not  to  be  expected  with  such 
limited  preparation,  yet,  believing  tliat  his  contrac- 
tors, lately  installed,  would  exert  themselven  to  the 
utmost  to  forward  supplies,  and  that,  amidst  the  va- 
riety of  arrangements  made,  all  could  not  fail,  and 
well  aware  that  his  delaying  longer  might  be  pro- 
ductive of  many  disadvantages,  his  determination 
was  taken  to  set  out  immediately  in  quest  of  tho 
enemy.  He  replied  to  the  Path-killer,  by  his  run- 
ncre,  that  he  should  proceed  directly  for  the  Coosa 
ind  solicited  him  to  be  diligent  in  making  discove- 
riea  of  the  situation,  and  collected  forces  of  the 
savages,  and  to  give  hmi.  aa  early  ai  poMiblo  tbt 
*'eiult  of  bit  mquinot. 


Uri  OP  OBNKRAIi  JACKSON.  45 

««The  hoBtae  Crfjeks,"  he  remarked  to  him, "  will 
not  attack  you  until  they  have  had  a  brush  with  me , 
and  that,  I  think,  mil  put  them  out  of  the  notioD  oi 
Gghting  for  some  time."  He  requested,  if  he  had 
or  could  any  how  procure,  provisions  for  his  army 
that  he  would  send  them,  or  advise  where  they 
might  be  had  :  "  You  shall  be  well  paid,  and  have 
my  thanks  into  the  bargain.  I  shall  stand  most  in 
Deed  of  corn  meal,  but  shall  be  thankful  for  anj 
kind  of  provisions ;  and,  indeed,  for  whatever  wil' 
support  life." 

The   army  had  advanced  but  a  short  distance 
vnen  unexpected  embarrassments  were  again  pre- 
sented.    Information   was   received,  by   which   i< 
was  clearly  ascertained,  that  the  present  contrac 
tors,  who  had  been  so  certainly  relied  on,  could 
not,  with  all  their  exertions,  procure  the  necessary 
aupplies.     Major  Rose,  in  the  quarter-master's  de- 
mrtment,  who  had  been  sent  into  Madison  county, 
o  aid  them  in  their  endeavours,  having  satisfiec/ 
nimself,  as  well  from  their  own  admissions  as  fron 
evidence,  that  their  want  of  funds,  and  consequen* 
want  of  credit,  rendered  them  a  very  unsafe  de- 
pendence, had  returned,  and  disclosed  the  facts  tc 
the   general.     He  stated,  that  there  were   there 
persons  of  fortune  and  industry,  who   might  be 
confided  in,  and  who  would  be  willing  to  contract 
for  the  army  if  it  were  necessary.     Jackson  losl 
no  time  in  embracing  this  plan,  and  gave  the  con- 
tract to  Mr.  Pope,  upon  whose  exertions,  he  hoped, 
every  reliance  might  be  safely  reposed.     To  the 
other  contractors  he  wrote,  informing  them  of  the 
change  that  had  been  made. 

"  I  am  advised,"  said  he,  « that  you  have  c&xv- 
didly  acknowledged  yAu  have  it  not  in  tout  oower 


4i  Uni   OF  OINERAL  JACKSON. 

to  execute  the  contract  in  which  you  have  engag^ed 
Do  not  think  I  mean  to  caat  any  reflection — very 
far  from  it  I  am  exceedingly  pleased  with  the 
exertions  you  have  made,  and  feel  myself  under 
many  obligations  of  gratitude  for  them.  From  the 
admissions  you  have  been  candid  enough  to  make, 
the  scarcity  which  already  begins  to  appear  in 
camp,  and  the  difficulties  you  are  likely  to  encoun- 
ter, in  effecting  your  engagements,  I  am  apprehen- 
sive I  should  be  doing  injustice  to  the  army  I  com- 
mand, were  I  to  rely  for  support  on  your  exertions — 
great  as  I  know  them  to  be.  Whatever  concerns 
myself,  I  may  manage  with  any  generosity  or 
indulgence  I  please  ;  but  in  acting  for  my  country, 
I  have  no  such  discretion." 

This  arrangement  being  made,  the  army  con- 
tinued its  march,  and,  having  arrived  within  a  few 
miles  of  the  Ten  Islands,  was  met  by  old  Chinnaby, 
a  leading  chief  of  the  Qrcok  nation,  and  sternly  op- 
posed to  the  war  party.  Ho  brought  with  him,  and 
surrendered  up,  two  of  the  hostile  Creeks,  who  had 
been  lately  made  prisoners  by  his  party.  At  this 
place,  it  was  represented,  that  they  were  within 
sixteen  miles  of  the  enemy,  who  were  collected,  to 
the  number  of  a  thousand,  to  oppose  their  passage. 
This  information  was  little  relied  on,  and  aflerwards 
proved  untrue.  Jackson  continued  his  route,  and 
in  a  few  days  reached  the  islands  of  the  Coosa, 
havmg  been  detained  a  day  on  the  way,  for  tlie 
purpose  of  obtaining  small  supplies  of  corn  from 
the  ne'ghbouring  Indians.  This  acquisition  to  the 
scanty  stock  on  hand,  whilst  it  afforded  subsistence 
for  the  present,  encouraged  his  hopes  for  the  luture, 
as  a  mean  of  temporary  resort*  ahould  bii  other 
resources  fail 


UWm  or  •■NIRAL  JACSflOM.  #f 

On  the  S8th  of  October,  Colonel  Dyn^  who^  ea 
Ihe  march  to  the  Ten  Islands,  had  been  detaoh«d 
from  the  main  body,  with  two  hundred  cavalry,  to 
attack  Littafiitchee  town,  on  the  head  of  Canoe 
Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Coosa  from  the  weiE^ 
returned,  bringing  with  him  twenty-nine.prisonera, 
men,  women,  and  children,  having  destroyed  the 
village. 

The  sanguine  expectations  indulged,  on  leaving 
Thompson's  Creek,  that  the  advance  of  the  East 
Tennessee  militia  would  hasten  to  unite  with  him, 
was  not  yet  realized.  The  express  heretofore  di- 
rected to  General  White  had  not  returned.  Jack- 
son, on  the  31st,  despatched  another,  again  urging 
him  to  effect  a  speedy  junction,  and  to  bring  with 
him  all  the  bread  stuff  in  his  power  to  procure; 
feelingly  suggesting  to  him,  at  the  same  time,  the 
great  inconvenience  and  hazard,  to  which  he  had 
been  already  exposed,  for  the  want  of  punctuality 
m  himself  and  his  commanding  general.  Owing  to 
that  cause,  and  the  late  failures  of  his  contractors, 
he  represented  his  army  as  placed  in  a  very  pre- 
carious situation,  dependent,  in  a  great  measure, 
for  support,  on  the  exertions  which  they  might  be 
pleased  to  make ;  but  assured  him,  he  would  stdl, 
at  every  risk,  endeavour  to  effect  his  purpose ;  and, 
at  all  events,  was  resolved  to  hasten  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  object,  for  which  he  had  set  out 
Believing  the  co-operation  of  the  East  Tennessee 
troops  essential  to  this  end,  they  were  again  in- 
structed to  join  him  without  delay ;  for  he  could 
not  conceive  it  to  be  correct  policy,  that  troopi 
from  the  same  state,  pursuing  the  same  object, 
should  constitute  separate  and  distinct  armiei,  tno 
•et  without  concert,  and  independently  of  each 


4&  UFI  OF  GKNKRAL  JACKftON. 

other.  He  entertained  no  doubt  but  that  hif  ordet 
would  be  promptly  obeyed. 

The  next  evening,  a  detachment,  which  had  been 
eent  out  ihe  day  before,  returned  to  camp,  bringing 
with  them,  besides  some  com  and  bee  res,  severa. 
negroes  and  prisoners  of  the  war  party. 

Learning  now  that  a  considerable  body  of  the 
enemy  had  posted  themselves  at  Tallushatchee,  on 
the  south  side  of  the  Coosa,  about  thirteen  miles 
distant,  General  Coffee  was  detached,  with  nine 
hundred  men,  to  attack  and  disperse  them.  With 
this  force  he  was  enabled,  through  the  direction  of 
an  Indian  pilot,  to  ford  the  Coosa,  at  the  Fish- dams, 
about  four  miles  above  the  islands ;  and,  having  en- 
camped beyond  it,  very  early  the  next  morning 
proceeded  to  the  execution  of  his  order.  Having 
arrived  within  a  mile  and  a  half,  he  formed  his 
detachment  into  two  divisions,  and  directed  them  to 
march  so  as  to  encircle*  the  town,  by  uniting  their 
fronts  beyond  it.  The  enemy,  hearing  of  his  ap- 
proach, began  to  prepare  for  action,  announced  by 
beating  of  drums,  mingled  with  savage  yells  and 
war-whoops.  An  hour  after  sun-rise,  the  action 
was  commenced  by  Captain  Hammon's  and  Lieu- 
tenant Pattersons  companies  of  spies,  who  had 
gone  within  the  circle  of  alignement,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  drawing  the  Indians  from  their  buildinge. 
No  sooner  had  these  companies  given  a  few  ecat* 
tering  shot,  than  the  enemy  made  a  violent  charge. 
Compelled  to  give  way,  the  advance  guards  were 
pursued  until  they  reached  the  main  body  of  the 
army,  which  immediately  charged  in  turn.  The 
Indians  retreated,  firing  and  fighting  as  long  aa 
they  could  stand  or  sit,  without  manifesting  fear, 
or  soliciting  quarter.    Their  loss  was  a  hundred 


fcm   OF  QKNBHAL  JACKSON.  4% 

and  eighty-six  killed;  among  whom  were  a  few 
women  and  children.  Eighty-four  women  and 
children  were  taken  prisoners,  towards  whom  the 
utmost  humanity  was  shown.  Of  tlie  Americans, 
five  were  killed,  and  forty-one  wounded.  Two 
were  killed  with  arrows,  which,  on  this  occasion, 
formed  a  principal  part  of  the  arras  of  the  Indians; 
each  one  having  a  bow  and  quiver,  which  he  used 
after  the  first  fire  of  his  gun,  until  an  opportunity 
occurred  for  re-loading. 

Having  buried  his  dead,  and  provided  for  his 
wounded.  General  Coffee,  the  evening  of  the  same 
day,  united  with  the  m^in  army,  bringing  with  him 
about  forty  prisoners.  Of  the  residue,  a  part  were 
too  badly  wounded  to  be  removed,  and  were  there- 
fore left,  with  a  sufficient  number  to  take  care  of 
them. 

Prom  the  manner  in  which  the  enemy  fought, 
the  killing  and  wounding  others  than  their  warriors, 
was  not  to  be  avoided.  On  their  retreat  to  their 
village,  after  the  commencement  of  the  battle, 
they  resorted  to  their  block  housea,  and  strong  log 
dwellings,  whence  they  kept  up  resistance,  and 
resolutely  maintained  the  fight.  Mingled  with 
their  women  and  children,  it  was  impossible  they 
should  not  be  exposed  to  the  general  danger ;  and 
thus  many  were  injured,  rotwithstanding  every 
possible  precaution  Many  of  the  women  united 
with  their  warriors,  and  ccntended  in  u*^  battle 
with  fearless  br&vory. 


Un   or   •BITBEAL  JACKtOir. 


CHAPTER  m. 

fimtral  Jackson  endeavours  tc  unite  vfiih  the  Emit  TVwmsm 

troops. — Establishment  of  Fort  Strother. — Learns  the  enemy 
are  imbodied. — Marches  to  meet  them. — Battle  of  Talladega.— 
Is  compelled  to  return  to  his  encampment,  for  want  ofsuppties. — 
Ariecdote. — Discontents  of  his  army. — Militia  and  volunteers 
mutiny. — Address  to  tlu  q^'s. — /*  compelled  to  abandon  Fort 
Strother. — HUixbee  clans  sue  j'tt  peace. — Letter  from  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Blackburn. — Answer. —  The  volunteers  claim  to  be  dis- 
charged.— Mutiny. — Address  to  them. — General  Cocke  arrive.^ 
with  part  of  his  division. — QeneraL  Coffee's  brigade  petitions 
for  a  discharge. — General  Jackson's  answer. —  They  abandon 
the  service,  and  go  home. 


Measures  were  now  taken  to  establish  a  pe 
manent  depot  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  - 
the  Ten  Islands,  to  be  protected  by  strong  pickeL- 
ting  and  block  houses^.  It  was  desirable  to  unite,, 
as  soon  as  possible,  with  the  troops  from  the  East 
of  Tennessee  ;  to  effect  this,  Jackson,  on  the  4th, 
despatched  an  express  to  General  White,  urging 
him  to  unite  with  liim  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
again  entreating  him  on  the  subject  of  provisions  ; 
to  brmg  with  him  such  as  he  had  on  hand,  or  could 
procure  ;  and,  if  po.ssible,  to  form  some  certain  ar- 
-angement  that  might  ensure  a  supply  in  future. 

Anxious  to  proceed,  and  have  his  army  active, 
.e  again,  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  renewed  his 
application  to  General  White,  who  still  remained 
it  Turkey  town. 

The  army  was  busily  engaged  in  fortifying  the 
lite  fixed  on  for  a  depot,  to  which  the  name  of 
f^ort  Strother  had  been  given.  On  the  evening  of 
the  7th,  a  runner  arrived  f.'om  Talladega,  a  fort  oi 


UTE  or  aSNUUL  MOKSON-  il 

the  ftiendl/  Indisns,  thirty  miles  helow,  with  in 
fonnation,  that  the  enemy  had  that  morning  en 
camped  before  it  in  great  numbers,  and  woulo 
certainly  destroy  it,  unless  immediate  assistance 
could  be  afforded.  Jackson,  confiding  in  the  state- 
ment, determined  to  lose  no  time  in  extending  the 
relief  which  was  solicited.  Understanding  thai 
General  White  was  on  his  way  to  join  him,  he 
despatched  a  messenger,  directing  him  to  reach 
his  encampment  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  night, 
and  to  protect  it  in  his  absence.  He  now  gave 
orders  for  taking  up  the  line  of  march,  with  twelve 
hundred  infantry,  and  eight  hundred  cavalry  and 
mounted  gun-men ;  leaving  behind  the  sick,  the 
wounded,  and  all  his  baggage,  with  a  force  which 
was  deemed  sufficient  for  their  protection,  until  the 
reinforcement  from  Turkey  town  should  arrive. 

The  friendly  Indians,  who  had  taken  refuge  in 
this  besieged  fort,  had  involved  themselves  in  their 
present  perilous  situation,  from  a  disposition  to 
preserve  their  amicable  relations  with  the  United 
States.  To  suffer  them  to  fall  a  sacrifice,  from  any 
tardiness  of  movement,  would  have  been  unpar 
donable ;  and,  unless  relief  were  inmiediately  ex 
tended,  it  might  arrive  too  late.  Acting  under 
these  impressions,  the  general  concluded  to  move 
instantly  forward  to  their  assistance.  By  twelve 
o'clock  at  night,  every  thing  was  in  readiness ;  and 
in  an  hour  afterwards,  the  army  commenced  cross- 
ing the  river,  about  a  mile  above  the  camp ;  ea<»b 
of  the  mounted  men  carrying  one  of  the  infantry 
behind  him.  The  river,  at  this  place,  was  six  bun- 
dled yards  wide,  and,  it  being  necessary  to  send 
back  the  horses  for  the  remainder  of  the  infantry 
ieveral  hours  were  consumed  before  a  jwssage  of 


iS  tIFP   OF  GENERAL   JACKSON. 

all  the  troopa  cou.i.  be  effected.  Neverthelen, 
though  greatly  fatigued,  ami  deprived  of  sleep, 
they  continued  the  march  with  animation,  and  by 
evening  had  arrived  within  six  miles  of  the  enemy. 
In  this  march,  Jackson  used  the  utmost  precaution 
to  prevent  surprise  ;  marching  his  army,  as  was 
his  constant  custom,  in  three  columns,  so  that,  by 
a  speedy  manceuvre,  they  might  be  thrown  into 
such  a  situation  as  to  be  capable  of  resisting  an 
attack  from  any  quarter.  Having  judiciously  en- 
camped his  men  on  an  eligible  piece  of  ground,  he 
sent  forward  two  of  the  friendly  Indians,  and  a 
white  man,  who  had,  for  many  years,  been  detained 
a  captive  in  the  nation,  and  wag  now  acting  as 
interpreter,  to  reconnoitre  tlie  position  of  the  ene- 
my. About  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  they  returned 
with  information  that  the  savages  were  posted 
\vithin  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  fort,  and  appeared 
to  be  in  great  force  f  but  that  they  had  not  been 
able  to  approach  near  enough  to  ascertain  either 
their  numbers  or  precise  situation.  Witliin  an 
hour  after  this,  a  runner  arrived  from  Turkey 
town,  with  a  letter  from  General  White,  stating, 
that,  after  having  taken  up  the  line  of  march,  to 
unite  at  Fort  Strother,  he  had  received  orders  from 
General  Cocke  to  change  his  course,  and  proceed 
to  the  mouth  of  Chatauga  Creek.  It  was  most 
distressing  intelligence  ;  the  sick  and  wounded  had 
been  left  with  no  other  calculation  for  their  safety, 
than  that  this  detachment  of  the  army,  agreeably 
10  his  request,  would,  by  advancing  upon  Fort 
Strother,  serve  the  double  purpose  of  protecting  his 
rear,  and  enable  him  to  advance  still  further  into 
the  enemy's  country.  The  information  proved  that 
all  those  salutary  anticipations  were  at  an  end,  and 


LIPB    OP   GENERAL   JACKSON.  68 

that  evils  of  the  worst  kind  might  be  the  cense- 
quence.  Intelligence  so  disagreeable  filled  the 
mind  of  Jackson  with  apprehension.  Ordera  were 
accordingly  given  to  llie  adjutant-general  to  pre- 
pare the  line,  and  by  four  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
the  army  was  again  in  motion.  The  infantry  pro- 
ceeded in  three  columns  ;  the  cavalry  in  the  same 
order,  in  the  rear,  with  flankers  on  each  wing. 
The  advance,  consisting  of  a  company  of  ar- 
tillerists, with  muskets,  two  companies  of  riflemen, 
and  one  of  spies,  marched  about  four  hundred  yards 
in  front,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Carroll, 
inspector-general,  with  orders,  after  commencing 
the  action,  to  fall  back  on  the  centre,  so  as  to 
draw  the  enemy  after  them.  At  seven  o'clock, 
having  arrived  witliin  a  mile  of  the  position  they 
occupied,  the  columns  were  displayed  ia  order  of 
battle.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  cavalry, 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Dyer,  were  placed  in 
the  rear  of  the  centre,  as  a  corps  de  reserve. 
The  remainder  of  the  mounted  troops  were  di- 
rected to  advance  on  the  right  and  left^  and,  after 
encircling  the  enemy,  by  uniting  the  fronts  of  their 
columns,  and  keeping  their  rear  rested  on  the  in- 
fantry, to  face  and  press  towards  the  centre,  so  as 
to  leave  them  no  possibility  of  escape.  The  re- 
maining part  of  the  army  was  ordered  to  move  up 
by  heads  of  companies;  General  Hall's  brigade 
occupying  the  right,  and  General  Roberta's  the 
left. 

About  eight  o'clock,  the  advance  having  ar- 
rived within  eiglity  yards  of  the  enemy,  who  were 
concealed  in  a  thick  shrubbery,  received  a  heavy 
firet  which  they  instantly  returned  with  much  spirit 


S4  LIFB    OF   GENERAL   JACKBON. 

FaUing  in  with  the  enemy,  agreeably  to  their  in 
structiona,  they  letired  towards  the  centre,  but  not 
before  they  had  dislodged  them  from  their  position. 
The  Indians,  now  screaming  and  yelling  hideously, 
rushed  forward  in  the  direction  of  GeneraJ  Roberts's 
origade,  a  few  companies  of  which,  alarmed  by 
their  numbers  and  yells,  gave  way  at  the  first 
fire.  Jackson,  to  fill  tlie  chasm  which  was  thus 
created,  directed  the  regiment  commanded  by 
Colonel  Bradley  to  be  moved  up,  which,  from  some 
unaccountable  cause,  had  failed  to  advance  in  a 
line  with  the  others,  and  now  occupied  a  position 
in  rear  of  the  centre  :  Bradley,  however,  to  whom 
this  order  was  given  by  one  of  the  staff,  omitted  to 
execute  it  in  time,  alleging,  he  was  determined  to 
remain  on  the  eminence  which  he  then  possessed, 
until  he  should  be  approached,  and  attacked  by  the 
enemy.  Owing  to  this  failure  in  the  volunteer 
regiment,  it  became  necessary  to  dismount  tlie  re- 
serve, which,  with  great  firmness,  met  the  approach 
of  the  enemy,  who  were  rapidly  moving  in  this 
direction.  The  retreatmg  militia,  somewhat  mor 
tified  at  seeing  their  places  so  promptly  supplied, 
rallied,  and,  recovering  their  former  position  in  the 
jne,  aided  in  checking  the  advance  of  the  sav- 
ages. The  action  now  became  general  along  the 
line,  and  in  fifteen  minutes  the  Indians  were  seen 
fleeing  in  every  direction.  On  the  left,  they  were 
met  and  repulsed  by  the  mounted  riflemen ;  but  on 
the  right,  owing  to  the  halt  of  Bradley's  regiment, 
which  was  intended  to  occupy  the  extreme  right, — 
\nd  to  the  circumstance  of  Colonel  Allcorn,  who 
commanded  one  of  the  wings  of  the  cavalry,  hav 
uig  taken  too  large  a  circuit,— «  conaidenble  epacA 


UWU   OP   GENERAL    1ACK80N.  M 

<ras  left  between  the  infantry  and  the   cavilryf 
through  which  numbers  escaped. 

Jackson,  in  his  report  of  this  action,  bestows 
\igh  commendation  on  the  officers  and  soldiers. 

In  this  battle  the  force  of  the  enemy  was  one 
thousand  and  eighty,  of  whom  two  hundred  and 
ninety-nine  were  left  dead  on  the  ground ;  and  it 
is  believed  that  mdny  were  killed  in  the  flight,  who 
were  not  found  when  the  estimate  was  made 
Probably  few  escaped  unhurt  Their  loss  on  this 
occasion,  as  stated  since  by  themselves,  was  not 
less  than  six  hundred  ;  that  of  the  Americans  was 
fifteen  killed,  and  eighty  wounded,  several  of  whom 
afterwards  died.  Jackson,  after  collecting  his 
dead  and  wounded,  advanced  his  army  beyond  the 
fort,  and  encamped  for  the  night  The  Indians, 
who  had  been  for  several  days  shut  up  by  the  be- 
siegers, thus  fortunately  liberated  fi"om  the  most 
dreadful  apprehensions,  and  severest  privations, 
having  for  some  time  been  entirely  without  water, 
received  the  army  with  all  the  demonstrations  ol 
gratitude  that  savages  could  give.  Their  man- 
ifestations of  joy  for  their  deliverance  presented 
an  interesting  and  affecting  spectacle.  Their  fears 
had  been  already  greatly  excited,  for  it  was  the 
very  day  when  they  were  to  have  been  assaulted, 
and  when  every  soul  within  the  fort  must  have 
perished.  All  the  provisions  they  could  spare 
from  their  scanty  stock,  they  sold  to  the  general 
who,  purchasing  with  his  own  money,  distributed 
them  amongst  the  soldiers,  who  were  almost  des- 
titute. 

The  condition  of  his  posts  m  the  rear,  and  th« 
want  of  provisions,  (having  left  hii  encampment  al 


ii  van   OF  OINERAL   JACKIOK. 

Fort  Strother  with  littlo  more  than  one  day'i  itr 
lions,)  compelled  him  to  return ;  thus  giving  tht 
enemy  time  to  recover. 

The  cause  which  prevented  General  White  from 
arriving  at  the  Ten  Islands  at  a  moment  when  it 
was  so  important,  when  it  was  so  confidently  ex- 
pected, was  as  yet  unknown.  This  mystery,  hith- 
erto inexplicable,  was  some  time  after  explained, 
by  a  view  of  the  order  of  General  Cocke,  undei 
which  White,  being  a  brigadier  in  his  division, 
chose  to  act,  rather  tlian  under  Jackson's.  Gene- 
ral Cocke  stated  to  him,  he  had  understood  Jackson 
had  crossed  the  Coosa,  and  had  an  engagement 
with  the  Indians.  "I  have  formed  a  council  of 
officers  here,  and  proposed  these  questions : — ShaP 
we  follow  him,  or  cross  the  river,  and  proceed  to 
the  Creek  settlements  on  the  Tallapoosa?  Both 
were  decided  unanimously, — that  he  should  not  be 
followed,  but  that  w^  should  proceed  in  the  way 
proposed  !"  He  remarked,  that  the  decision  had 
met  his  entire  approbation;  and  directed  White 
forthwith  to  unite  with  him  at  his  encampment; 
where  he  should  wait,  fortifying  it  strongly  for  a 
depot,  until  he  should  arrive.  "  If,"  said  he,  "  we 
follow  General  Jackson  and  his  army,  we  must 
suffer  for  supplies ;  nor  can  we  expect  to  gain  a 
victory  Let  us  tlien  take  a  direction  in  which  we 
can  share  some  of  the  dangers  and  glories  of  the 
field.  You  will  employ  pilots,  and  advise  me  which 
side  of  the  river  you  will  move  up."  In  this,  els  in 
every  other  measure,  it  seemed  to  be  the  studied 
aim  of  Cocke  to  thwart  the  views  and  arrest  the 
fuccesfles  of  Jackson ;  and  perhaps  jealousy,  in  no 
aeoQsidenible  degree,  was  the  moving  ipring  tA 


Uni   OF  GENERAL   JACK80N  S7 

his  conduct  Both  were  majoi -generals,  from  the 
ftate  of  Tennessee,  sent  on  the  same  important 
errand,  to  check  an  insolent  foe. 

Having  buried  his  dead,  and  provided  litters  for 
the  wounded,  Jackson  reluctantly  commenced  his 
return  march  on  the  morning  succeeding  the  battle. 
He  confidently  hoped,  from  the  previous  assurances 
of  the  contractors,  that,  by  the  time  of  his  return 
to  Fort  Strother,  sufficient  supplies  would  have 
arrived  there ;  but,  to  his  inexpressible  uneasi- 
ness, he  found  that  not  a  particle  had  been  for- 
warded since  his  departure,  and  that  what  had 
been  left  was  already  consumed.  Even  his  private 
stores,  brought  on  at  his  own  expense,  and  upon 
which  he  and  his  staff  had  hitherto  wholly  sub- 
sisted, had  been,  in  his  absence,  distributed  amongst 
the  sick  by  the  hospital  surgeon,  who  had  been 
previously  instructed  to  do  so,  in  the  event  their 
wants  should  require  it.  A  few  dozen  biscuit, 
which  remained  on  his  return,  were  given  to 
hungry  apphcants,  without  being  tasted  by  himself 
OT  family,  who  were  probably  not  less  hungry  than 
those  who  were  thus  relieved.  A  scanty  supply  of 
indifferent  beef,  taken  from  the  enemy,  or  pur- 
chased of  the  Cherokees,  was  now  the  only  sup- 
port afforded.  Thus  left  destitute,  Jackson,  with 
the  utmost  cheerfulness  of  temper,  repaired  to  the 
bullock  pen,  and,  of  the  offal  there  thrown  away, 
provided  for  himself  and  staff,  what  he  was  pleased 
to  caD,  a  very  comfortable  repast.  Tripes,  how- 
ever, hastily  provided  in  a  camp,  without  bread  or 
seasoning,  can  only  be  palatable  to  an  appetite 
very  highly  whetted  ;  yet  this  constituted,  for  seve- 
ral daya,  the  only  diet  at  head-quarters ;  during 
which  time,  the  general  seemed  entirely  saiislie^ 


it       UWm   OP  •ENSEAL  lACKSOK. 

iritii  his  fare.  Neither  this,  nor  the  liberal  dona 
tioDB  by  which  he  disfurnished  himself,  to  relioT* 
the  suffering  soldier,  deserve b  to  be  ascribed  to 
ostentation  or  design :  the  one  flowed  from  benevo- 
lence, the  other  from  necessity,  and  a  desire  to 
place  before  his  men  an  example  of  patience  and 
suffering,  which  he  felt  might  be  necessary. 

In  this  campaign,  a  soldier  one  morning,  with  a 
wo-begone  countenance,  approached  the  general, 
stating  that  he  was  nearly  starved,  that  he  had 
nothing  to  eat,  and  could  not  imagine  what  he 
should  do.  He  was  the  more  encouraged  to  com- 
plain, from  perceiving  that  the  general,  who  had 
seated  himself  at  the  root  of  a  tree,  waiting  the 
coming  up  of  the  rear  of  the  army,  was  busily  en- 
gaged in  eating  something.  The  poor  fellow  waA 
unpressed  with  the  belief,  from  what  he  saw,  that 
want  only  attached  to  the  soldiers,  and  that  the 
oflicers,  particularly  the  general,  were  liberally 
supplied.  He  accordingly  approached  him  with 
great  confidence  of  being  relieved.  Jackson  told 
him,  that  it  had  always  been  a  rule  with  him  never 
to  turn  away  a  hungry  man  when  it  was  in  his 
power  to  relieve  him.  I  will  most  cheerfully,  said 
he,  divide  with  you  what  I  have  ;  and,  putting  his 
hand  to  his  pocket,  drew  forth  a  few  acorns,  from 
which  he  had  been  feasting,  adding,  it  was  the  best 
and  only  fare  he  had.  The  soldier  seemed  much 
surprised,  and  forthwith  circulated  amongst  his 
comrades,  that  their  general  was  actually  subsisting 
upon  acorns,  and  that  they  ought  no  more  to  com- 
plain. Prom  this  circumstance  was  derived  the 
story  heretofore  published  to  the  world,  that  Jack- 
son, about  the  period  of  his  greatest  suffering,  and 
«rith  a  view  to  inspirit  them,  had  invited  his  officers 


Um  OF  SSNSRAL  JACKSON.  ft 

o  dine  with  him,  and  presented,  for  their  repast, 
water,  and  a  tray  of  acorns. 

But  discontents,  and  a  desire  to  return  home, 
arose,  and  presently  spread  through  the  camp ;  and 
these  were  still  further  augmented,  by  the  arts  of 
a  few  designing  officers,  who,  believing  that  the 
campaign  would  now  break  up,  hoped  to  make 
themselves  popular  on  the  return,  by  taking  part 
in  the  complaints  of  the  soldiery.  It  is  a  singular 
fact,  that  those  officers  who  pretended,  on  this 
occasion,  to  feel  most  sensibly  for  the  wants  of  the 
army,  had  never  themselves  been  without  pro- 
visions. 

During  this  period  of  scarcity  and  discontent, 
small  quantities  of  supplies  were  occasionally  for- 
warded by  the  contractors,  but  not  a  sufficiency 
for  present  want,  and  still  less  to  remove  the  ap- 
prehensions that  were  entertained  for  the  future. 
At  length  revolt  began  to  show  itself  openly.  The 
officers  and  soldiers  of  the  militia,  collecting  in 
their  tents,  and  talking  over  their  grievances,  de- 
termined to  yield  up  their  patriotism,  and  to  aban- 
don the  camp.  To  this  measure  there  were  good 
evidences  for  believing  that  several  of  the  officers 
of  the  old  volunteer  corps  exerted  themselves 
clandestinely,  and  with  great  industry,  to  insti- 
gate them ;  looking  upon  themselves  somewhat  b 
the  light  of  veterans,  from  the  discipline  they  had 
acquired,  they  were  unwilling  to  be  seen  foremost 
-n  setting  an  example  of  mutiny,  and  wished  to 
make  the  defe'^tion  of  others  a  pretext  for  their 
own. 

Jackson,  apprized  of  their  determination  to 
abandon  him,  resolved  to  oppose  it,  and  \t  all 
hazard.    In  the  morning,  when  they  were  to  curry 


■0  UFI  OF  GENERAL  1ACK80II. 

their  intentioDs  into  execution,  he  drew  up  the 
volunteers  in  front  of  them,  with  positive  com- 
mands to  prevent  their  progress,  and  compel  them 
to  return  to  their  former  position  in  the  camp. 
The  militia,  seeing  this,  and  fearing  the  conse- 
quences of  persisting  in  their  purpose,  at  once 
abandoned  it,  and  returned  to  their  quarters  with- 
out further  murmuring,  extolling,  in  the  highest 
terms,  the  unalterable  firmness  of  the  general. 

The  next  day,  however,  presented  a  singulai 
flcene.  The  volunteers,  who  the  day  before  had 
been  the  instruments  for  compelling  the  militia  to 
return  to  their  duty,  seeing  the  destruction  of  those 
hopes  on  which  they  had  lately  built,  in  turn  be- 
gan, themselves,  to  mutiny.  Their  opposition  to 
the  departure  of  the  militia  was  but  a  mere  pre- 
tence, to  escape  suspicion,  for  they  silently  wished 
them  success.  They  now  determined  to  move  off 
m  a  body,  believing,  from  the  known  disaffection  in 
the  camp,  that  the  general  could  find  no  means  to 
prevent  it.  What  was  their  surprise,  when,  on 
attempting  to  effectuate  their  resolves,  they  found 
the  same  men,  whom  they  had  so  lately  opposed, 
occupying  the  very  position  which  they  had  done 
the  day  previous,  for  a  similar  purpose,  and  mani- 
festing a  fixed  determination  to  obey  the  orders  of 
their  general !  All  they  ventured  to  do  was,  to 
take  the  example  through,  and,  like  them,  move 
back  in  peace  and  quietness  to  their  quarters. 
This  was  a  curious  change  of  circumstances,  when 
(ve  consider  in  how  short  a  time  it  happened  ;  but 
the  conduct  of  the  militia,  on  this  occasion,  must 
be  ascr'bed  co  the  management  of  the  general,  and 
to  the  gratification  they  felt,  in  being  able  to  de 
feat  the  views  of  those  who  had  so  lately  thwarted 


LlWm   OF   GENERAL   lACKSON.  tl 

ihehr  own.  To  this  may  be  also  added,  the  con- 
fciousness  all  must  have  entertained,  that  the  pri- 
vations of  which  they  complained,  were  far  less 
grievous  than  they  had  represented  them ;  by  no 
means  sufficient  to  justify  revolt,  and  not  greater 
than  patriots  might  be  expected  to  bear  without  a 
murmur,  when  objects  of  such  high  consideration 
tvere  before  them.  But,  anxious  to  return  to  their 
families,  wearied  of  their  sufferings,  they  seized 
with  eagerness  every  pretext  for  exoneration,  and 
listened  with  too  much  docility  to  the  representa- 
tions of  those,  who  were  influenced  by  less  hon- 
ourable feelings.  The  militia  continued  to  show 
a  much  more  patriotic  disposition  than  the  volun- 
teers ;  who,  having  adopted  a  course  which  they 
discovered  must  finally  involve  them  in  dishonour 
if  it  should  fail,  were  exceedingly  anxious  for  ita 
success.  On  this  subject,  the  pretensions  of  the 
cavalry  were  certainly  much  better  established ;  as 
they  were  entirely  without  forage,  and  without  the 
prospect  of  speedily  obtaining  any.  They  pe- 
titioned, therefore,  to  be  permitted  to  return  into  the 
settled  parts  of  the  country,  pledging  themselves, 
by  their  platoon  and  field-officers,  that,  if  sufficient 
time  were  allov/ed  to  recruit  the  exhausted  state  of 
their  horses,  and  to  procure  their  winter  clothing, 
they  would  return  to  the  performance  of  their  duty 
whenever  called  on.  The  general,  unable,  from 
many  causes,  to  prosecute  the  campaign,  and  con 
fiding  in  the  assurance  given,  granted  the  prayer 
of  their  petition,  and  they  immediately  set  out  on 
their  return. 

About  this  time,  General  Jackson's  prospeci  of 
being  able  to  maintain  the  conquests  he  had  made 
began  to  be  cheered  by  letters  just  received  fron 


6^  UFK    OF    OKNBRAL   JACKSON 

the  contractors  and  principal  wagon-master,  stating 
that  sufficient  supplies  for  the  army  were  then  on 
the  road,  and  would  shortly  arrive :  but  discontents 
to  an  alarming  degree  still  prevailed  in  his  camp. 
'To  allay  them,  if  possible,  he  hastened  to  lay  be- 
fore the  division  the  information  and  letters  he  had 
received,  and,  at  the  same  time,  invited  the  field 
and  platoon-officers  to  his  quarters,  to  consult  on 
the  measures  proper  to  be  pursued.  He  addressed 
them  in  an  animated  speech,  in  which  he  extolled 
their  patriotism  and  achievements ;  lamented  the 
privations  to  which  they  had  been  exposed,  and 
endeavoured  to  reanimate  them  by  the  prospect  of 
speedy  relief,  which  he  expected  with  confidence 
on  the  following  day.  He  spoke  of  the  immense 
importance  of  the  conquests  they  had  already  made, 
and  of  the  dreadful  consequences  that  must  result, 
«houid  they  be  now  abandoned.  "What,"  con- 
tinued he,  "is  the  present  situation  of  our  camp? 
A  number  of  our  fellow  soldiers  are  wounded,  and 
unable  to  help  themselves.  Shall  it  be  said  that 
we  are  so  lost  to  humanity  aa  to  leave  them  in 
this  condition .''  Can  any  one,  under  these  circum- 
stances, and  under  these  prospects,  consent  to  an 
abandonment  of  the  camp  ?  of  all  that  we  have 
acquired  in  the  midst  of  so  many  difficulties,  priva 
tions,  and  dangers?  of  what  it  will  cost  us  so  much 
to  regain?  of  what  we  never  can  regain,— -our 
brave  wounded  companions,  who  will  be  murdered 
bj  our  unthinking,  unfeeling  inhumanity  ?  Surely 
there  can  be  none  such !  No,  we  will  take  with 
UB,  when  we  go,  our  wounded  and  sick.  They 
most  not — shall  not  perish  by  our  cold-blooded 
indifference.  But  why  should  you  despond?  I 
do  not,  and  yet  your  wants  are  not  greater  than 


Lira   OF   OBNIRAL   JAC&80N  6S 

mine.  To  be  sure  we  do  not  live  sumptuously  i 
but  no  one  has  died  of  hunger,  or  is  likely  t«» 
die ;  and  then,  how  animating  are  our  prospects ! 
Large  supplies  are  at  Deposit,  and  already  are 
officers  despatched  to  hasten  them  on.  Wagons 
are  on  the  way;  a  large  number  of  beeves  are 
in  the  neighbo  Jrhood ;  and  detachments  are  out 
to  bring  them  in. — All  these  resources  surely 
cannot  fail.  I  have  no  wish  to  starve  you — none 
to  deceive  you.  Stay  contentedly ;  and,  if  sup- 
plies do  not  arrive  in  two  days,  we  will  all  march 
back  together,  and  throw  the  blame  of  our  failure 
where  it  should  properly  lie ;  untH  then,  we  cer- 
tainly have  the  means  of  subsisting ;  and  if  we 
are  compelled  to  bear  privations,  let  us  reraember 
that  they  are  borne  for  our  country,  and  are  not 
greater  than  many,  perhaps  most  armies,  have 
been  compelled  to  endure.  I  have  called  you 
together,  to  tell  you  my  feelings  and  my  wishes ; 
this  evening  think  on  them  seriously ;  and  let  me 
know  yours  in  the  morning." 

Having  retired  to  their  tents,  the  officers  of  the 
volunteer  brigade  came  to  the  conclusion,  that 
"  nothing  short  of  marching  the  army  immediately 
back  to  the  settlements  could  prevent  those  difficul- 
ties and  that  disgrace,  which  must  attend  a  forcible 
desertion  of  the  camp  by  his  soldiers."  The  offi- 
cers of  the  militia  determined  differently,  and  re- 
ported a  willingness  to  maintain  the  post  a  few  days 
longer.  "  If  provisions  arrive,  let  us  proceed  with 
the  campaign;  if  not,  let  us  be  marched  back  to 
where  it  can  be  procured."  The  general,  whc 
greatly  preferred  the  latter  opinion,  to  allay  excite- 
ment, was  disposed  to  gratify  those  who  appeared 
unwilling  to  submit  to  further  hardshipa*  and  witb 


i4  Um    OF   OBNERAIi    JACKSOlt. 

this  view  ordered  Generil  Hall  to  march  hiB  ong 
ade  to  Fort  Deposit,  and,  after  satisfying  theu 
wants,  to  return  and  act  as  an  escort  to  the  pro- 
visions. The  second  regiment,  however,  unwilling 
to  be  outdone  by  the  mUitia,  consented  to  remain , 
and  the  first  proceeded  alone.  On  this  occasion  he 
could  not  forbear  to  remark,  that  men  for  whom 
he  had  ever  cherished  so  warm  an  affection,  and 
for  whom  he  would  at  all  times  have  made  any 
sacrifice,  desiring  to  abandon  him  at  a  moment 
when  their  presence  was  so  particularly  necessary, 
^ed  him  with  emotions  which  the  strongest  Ian 
fuage  was  too  feeble  to  express.  "  I  was  prepar 
ed,"  continued  the  general,  "  to  endure  every  evil 
but  disgrace ;  and  this,  as  I  never  can  submit  to 
myself,  I  can  give  no  encouragement  to  in  others.* 
Two  days  had  elapsed  since  the  departure  of  the 
volunteers,  and  supplies  had  not  arrived.  The 
militia,  with  great ,  earnestness,  now  demanded  9 
performance  of  the  pledge  that  had  been  given — 
that  they  should  be  marched  back  to  the  settle- 
ments. Jackson,  on  giving  them  an  assurance  tha> 
they  should  return,  if  ^-elief  did  not  reach  thei* 
m  two  days,  had  indulged  a  confidence  that  it 
would  certainly  arrive  by  that  time ;  and  now 
from  the  information  he  had  received,  felt  raor" 
than  ever  certain  that  it  could  not  be  far  distant- 
Having,  however,  pledged  himself,  he  could  use  nc 
arguments  or  entreaties  to  detain  them  any  longer, 
and  immediately  took  measures  for  complying  with 
their  wishes,  and  the  promise  he  had  made  them. 
This  was,  to  him,  a  moment  of  the  deepest  dejec- 
tion. He  foresaw  how  difiicult  it  would  be  ever  to 
accomplish  the  object  upon  whi^.h  his  heart  was  «o 
devoutly  fixed,  should  he  lose  the  men  who  were 


ura  or  GSNisiiL  Skcjuoti.  66 

now  with  him ;  or  even  to  regain  the  conquesta  h* 
had  made,  if  his  present  post  ?  should  fall  into  the 
hands   of  the   enemy.     V/hile  thus  pondering  on 
the  gloomy  prospect,  he  lifted  up  his  hands,  and  ex- 
claimed, with  a  look  and   manner  which  showed 
how  much  he  felt,  "  If  only  two  men  will  remain 
with  me,  I  will  never  abandon  this  post."     Captain 
Gordon,   of  the   spies,   facetiously  replied,  "you 
have  one,  general ;  let  us  look  if  we  can't  find  an- 
other ;"  and  immediately,  with  a  zeal  suited  to  the 
occasion,  undertook,  with  some  of  the  general  staff, 
to  raise  volunteers ;  and  in  a  little  while  succeeded 
in  procuring  one  hundred  and  nine,  who  declared  a 
determination  to  remain  and  protect  the  post.    The 
general,  greatly  rejoiced  that  he  would  not  be  com 
polled  to  an  entire   abandonment  of  his  position, 
now  set  out  towards  Deposit,  with  the   remainder 
of  the  army,  who  were  given  distinctly  to  under- 
stand, that  on  meeting  supplies  they  were  to  return 
md  prosecute  the  campaign.     This  was  an  event, 
which,  as  it  had  been  expected  and  foretold,  soon 
took  place ;  they  had  not  proceeded  more  than  ten 
or  twelve  miles,  when  they  met  a  hundred  and  fifty 
beeves  ;  but  a  sight  which  gave  to  Jackson  so  much 
satisfaction,   was  to   them  the   most    unwelcome. 
Their  faces  being  now  turned  towards  home,  no 
spectacle   could  be  more  hateftd  than  one  which 
was   to   change    their    destination.      They    were 
halted,   and,   having  satisfied  their  appetites,  the 
troops,  with  the  exception  of  such  as  were  neces- 
sary to  proceed  with  the  sick  and  wounded,  were 
ordered  to  return  to  the  encampment ;  he  himself 
intending  to  see  the  contractors,  and  establish  more 
e'^--tual  arrangements  for  the  fiiture.     So  great 
u  =  their  arersion  to  retummg,  that  they  preferred 


M  UWK   or  OBNBIIAL   JACKSON. 

a  violKtion  of  their  duty  and  their  pledged  honour 
Low  murmurings  ran  along  the  lines,  and  presently 
broke  out  into  open  mutiny.  In  spite  of  the  order 
they  had  received,  they  began  to  revolt,  and  one 
company  was  already  moving  off,  in  a  direction 
towards  home.  They  had  proceeded  some  distance, 
before  information  of  their  departure  was  had  by 
Jackson.  Irritated  at  their  conduct,  in  attempting 
to  violate  the  promise  they  had  given,  the  general 
pursued,  until  he  came  near  a  part  of  his  staff,  and 
a  few  soldiers,  who,  with  General  Coffee,  had 
halted  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  ahead.  He  or 
dered  them  to  form  immediately  across  the  road, 
and  to  fire  on  the  mutineers  if  they  attempted  to 
proceed.  Snatching  up  their  arms,  these  faithful 
adherents  presented  a  front  which  threw  the  de- 
serters into  afiright,  and  caused  them  to  retreat 
recipitately  to  the  main  body.  Here,  it  was  hoped, 
he  matter  would  qnd,  and  that  no  further  oppo- 
sition would  be  made  to  returning.  This  expecta- 
tion waa  not  realized ;  a  mutinous  temper  began 
presently  to  display  itself  throughout  the  whole 
brigade.  Jackson,  having  left  his  aid-de-camp, 
Major  Reid,  engaged  in  making  up  some  despatch- 
es, had  gone  out  alone  amongst  his  troops,  who 
were  at  some  distance ;  on  his  arrival,  he  found  a 
much  more  extensive  mutiny  than  that  which  had 
just  been  quelled.  Almost  the  whole  brigade  had 
put  Itself  into  an  attitude  for  moving  forcibly  off. 
A  crisis  had  arrived ;  and,  feeling  its  importance, 
ne  determined  to  take  no  middle  ground,  but  to 
triumph  or  perish.  He  waa  still  without  the  use  of 
his  loft  arm ;  but,  seizing  a  musket,  and  resting  it 
on  the  neck  of  his  horse,  he  threw  hiuiself  in  front 
ef  the  colunm,  and  threatened  to  shoot  the  first 


urm  or  qbnibal  lACSfoif.  €7 

man  who  should  attempt  to  advance.  In  thui'irtna- 
tion  he  was  found  by  Major  Reid  and  General 
Coffee,  who,  fearing,  from  the  length  of  his  ab- 
sence, that  some  disturbance  had  arisen,  hastened 
where  he  was,  and,  placing  themselves  by  his  side, 
awaited  the  result  in  anxious  expectation  F^^^ 
many  minutes  tlie  column  preserved  a  eulLjn,  yet 
hesitating  attitude,  fearing  to  proceed  in  th Ai  pur- 
pose, and  disliking  to  abandon  it.  In  the  mean  tirae^ 
those  who  remained  faithful  to  their  duty,  amount- 
ing to  about  two  companies,  were  collected  and 
formed  at  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  the  troops, 
and  in  rear  of  the  general,  with  positive  directions 
to  imitate  his  example  in  firing,  if  they  attempted 
to  proceed.  At  length,  finding  no  one  bold  enough 
to  advance,  and  overtaken  by  those  fears  which  in 
the  hour  of  peril  always  beset  persons  engaged  in 
what  they  know  to  be  a  bad  cause,  they  abandoned 
their  purpose,  and,  turning  quietly  round,  agreed  to 
return  to  their  posts.  It  is  very  certam,  that,  but 
for  the  firmness  of  the  general,  at  this  critical  mo- 
ment, the  campaign  would  have  been  broken  up, 
and  most  probably  not  commenced  again. 

Shortly  after  the  battle  of  Talladega,  the  Hilla- 
bee  tribes  applied  to  General  Jackson  for  peace , 
declaring  their  willingness  to  receive  it  on  such 
terms  as  he  might  be  pleased  to  dictate.  His  de- 
cision had  been  already  returned  _  stating  to  them 
that  his  government  had  taken  up  arms,  to  bring  to 
a  proper  sense  of  duty  a  people  to  whom  she  had 
ever  shown  the  utmost  kindness,  and  who,  never 
theless,  had  committed  against  her  citizer;s  the 
most  unprovoked  depredations ;  and  that  rfie  A'ou.d 
lay  them  dowr  ouiy  when  certain  that  ^r*  clj^ct 
6* 


68  idwm  or  oinbral  iacksow. 

was  attained.  ♦  "  Upon  those,"  continued  he,  **  wh« 
are  disposed  to  become  friendly,  I  neither  wish  noi 
intend  to  make  war;  but  they  most  a£fbrd  eW' 
dences  of  the  sincerity  of  their  professions ;  the 
prisoners  and  property  they  have  taken  from  ns, 
and  the  friendly  Creeks,  must  be  restored ;  the  in- 
stigators of  the  war,  and  the  murderers  of  our 
citizens,  must  be  surrendered ;  the  latter  must  and 
win  be  made  to  feel  the  force  of  our  resentment 
Long  shall  they  remember  Fort  Minmis  in  bitter 
ness  and  tears." 

Having  stated  to  General  Cocke,  whose  divisioB 
was  acting  in  this  section  of  the  nation,  the  propo 
sitions  that  had  been  made  by  the  Hillabee  clans, 
with  the  answer  he  had  returned,  he  proceeded  to 
Deposit  and  Ditto's  Landing,  where  the  most  effec- 
tual means  m  his  power  were  taken  with  the  contrac 
tors,  for  obtaining  regular  supplies  in  fiiture.  They 
were  required  to  furfiish,  immediately,  thirty  days' 
rations  at  Fort  Strother,  forty  at  Talladega,  and  as 
many  at  the  junction  of  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa ; 
two  hundred  pack  horses  and  forty  wagons  wero 
put  in  requisition  to  facilitate  their  transportation 

*  This  conununication  did  not  arrive  in  time, — General  White, 
who  haul  been  detached  for  that  purpose,  having,  the  morning;  op 
which  it  waa  written,  destroyed  their  town,  Mlled  sixty,  and 
made  two  hundred  and  fifty-six  prisoners.  The  event  wa«  un 
fortunate;  and  in  it  may  perhaps  be  found  the  reaison  why 
ihese  savages,  in  their  after  battles,  fought  with  the  desperation 
they  did,  obstinately  reftisuig  to  ask  for  quarter.  They  Believed 
themselves  attacked  by  Jackson's  army ;  they  knew  they  had 
asked  peace  upon  his  own  terms.  When,  tnerefore,  under  these 
circumstances,  they  saw  themselves  thus  assailed,  they  no  longer 
considered  that  any  pacific  disposition  they  might  manifest  would 
afford  them  protection  6rom  danger;  and  looked  upon  it  as  • 
war  of  extermination.  In  their  battles,  afterwards,  there  is  no 
insianoe  of  their  asking  ibr  quarter,  or  even  Bauteti^g  »  dis 
to  receive  it 


Ura   OP  GENERAL  JACKSON.  €# 

Umderfltandiog,  now,  that  the  whole   detachment 
from  Tenneeaee  had,  by  the  president,  been   re 
ceived  into  the  service  of  the   United   States,  he 
persuaded    himself  that    the   difficulties    he    had 
heretofore  encountered  would  not  recur. 

The  volunteers  at  Deposit  began  to  manifest  the 
same  unwillingness  to  return  to  their  duty  that  the 
militia  had  done,  and  were  about  to  break  out  inio 
the  same  spirit  of  mutiny  and  revolt ;  but  were 
restrained  by  an  animated  address  by  the  general. 

He  now  set  out  on  his  return  to  Fort  Strother. 
and  was  delighted  to  find,  by  the  progress  of  the 
works,  the  industry  that  had  been  used  in  his  ab- 
sence. But  the  satisfaction  he  felt  was  of  short 
continuance ;  although  he  had  succeeded  in  stillifvg 
the  tumult  of  the  volunteers,  and  in  prevailing  on 
them  to  return  to  their  posts,  it  was  soon  discovered 
he  had  not  eradicated  their  deep-rooted  aversion  to 
a  further  prosecution  of  the  war.  The  volunteers 
who  had  so  lately  clamoured  about  bread,  when 
they  were  no  longer  hungry,  began  to  clamour, 
with  equal  earnestness,  about  their  term  of  service. 
Having  lately  made  an  effort  to  forsake  the  drudg- 
ery of  the  field,  and  failed,  they  were  disposed  to 
avail  themselves  of  any  pretexts,  seemingly  plausi- 
ble, to  obtain  success.  They  insisted  that  the 
period,  for  which  they  had  undertaken  to  act,  would 
end  on  tlie  10th  of  December,  that  being  the  ter- 
mination of  a  year  from  the  day  they  had  first 
entered  into  service  ,  and,  although  they  had  been 
a  greater  part  of  the  time  unemployed,  that  recess 
was  nevertheless  to  be  taken  into  the  computation. 
Jackson  replied,  that  the  law  of  congress,  under 
which  they  had  been  accepted,  requiring  one  year'f 


6  tdn  or  «INBBAL  lACBflON. 

Mirice  ocit  of  two,  could  contemplate  nothing  \em 
than  an  actual  service  of  three  hundred  and  sixty- 
five  days  ;  and,  until  that  were  performed,  he  could 
not,  unless  specially  authorized,  undertake  to  dis- 
charge them.  Ordering  General  Roberts  to  return, 
and  fill  up  the  deficiencies  in  his  brigade,  he  now 
despatched  Colonel  Carroll,  and  Major  Searcy,  one 
of  his  aids-de-camp,  into  Tennessee,  to  raise  vol 
unteers  for  six  months,  or  during  the  campaign , 
writing  to  many  respectable  characters,  he  ex 
horted  them  to  contribute  all  their  assistance  to 
the  accomplishment  of  this  object.  To  a  letter, 
just  received  from  the  Reverend  Gideon  Black- 
burn, assuring  him  that  volunteers  from  Tennessee 
would  eagerly  hasten  to  his  relief,  if  they  knew 
their  services  were  wanted,  he  replied,  "  Reverend 
Sir, — Your  letter  has  been  just  received :  I  thank 
you  for  it ;  I  thank  you  most  sincerely.  It  arrived 
at  a  moment  when  my  spirits  needed  such  a  sup- 
port 

"I  left  Tennessee  with  an  army,  brave,  I  be- 
lieve, as  any  general  ever  commanded.  I  have 
seen  them  in  battle,  and  my  opimon  of  their  bravery 
is  not  changed.  But  their  fortitude — on  this  too  I 
relied — has  been  too  severely  tested.  Perhaps  1 
was  wrong,  in  believing  that  nothing  but  death 
could  conquer  the  spirits  of  brave  men.  I  am  sure 
I  was ;  for  my  men,  I  know,  are  brave ;  yet  priva 
tions  have  rendered  them  discontented: — that  is 
enough.  The  expedition  must,  nevertheless,  be 
prosecuted  to  a  successful  termination.  New  vol 
tmteers  must  be  raised,  to  conclude  what  Las  been 
so  auspiciously  begun  by  the  old  ones.  Gladly 
WDoId  I  save  tiiese  men  from  themselves,  and  en 


Ura   OF  GBNiSRAL  JACKSOM.  71 

iure  them  a  harvecit  which  they  have  sown ;  b<it  if 
they  will  abandon  it  to  others,  it  must  be  so. 

**  You  are  good  enough  to  say,  if  I  need  your 
assistance,  it  will  be  cheerfully  afforded :  I  do  need 
it  greatly.  The  influence  you  possess  over  the 
minds  of  men  is  great  and  well-founded,  and  can 
never  be  better  applied  than  in  summoning  volun- 
teers to  the  defence  of  their  country,  their  liberty, 
and  their  religion.  While  we  fight  the  savage, 
who  makes  war  only  because  he  delights  in  blood, 
and  who  has  gotten  his  booty,  when  he  has  scalped 
fiis  victim,  we  are,  through  him,  contending  against 
an  enemy  of  more  inveterate  character,  and  deeper 
design — ^who  would  demolish  a  fabric  cemented  by 
the  blood  of  our  fathers,  and  endeared  to  us  by  all 
the  happiness  we  enjoy.  So  far  as  my  exertions 
can  contribute,  the  purposes,  both  of  the  savage 
aud  his  instigator,  shall  be  defeated ;  and,  so  far 
as  yours  can,  I  hope — I  know,  they  will  be  employ- 
ed. I  have  said  enough. — I  want  men,  and  want 
tliem  immediately." 

He  wrote  to  General  Cocke,  urging  him  to  unite 
with  him  immediately,  at  the  Ten  Islands,  with 
fifteen  hundred  men.  He  assured  him  that  the 
mounted  men,  who  had  returned  to  the  settlements 
for  subsistence,  and  to  recruit  their  horses,  would 
arrive  by  the  12th  of  the  month.  He  wished  to 
commence  his  operations  directly,  "knowing  they 
would  be  prepared  for  it,  and  well  knowing  they 
would  require  it"  "  I  am  astonished,"  he  contin- 
ued, "  to  hear  that  your  supplies  continue  deficient 
[n  the  name  of  God,  what  are  the  contractors  doing? 
■nd  about  what  are  they  engaged  ?  Every  letter  ] 
receive  from  Governor  Blount  assures  me  I  am  to 
receive  plentiDil  supplies  from  them,  and  seems  to 


79  L(FE   or   eiNBRAL   JACK«ON. 

take  for  granted,  notwithstanding  all  I  have  said  to 
the  contrary,  that  they  have  been  hitherto  regularly 
fiimished.  Considering  the  generous  loan  the 
state  has  made  for  this  purpose,  and  the  facility  of 
procuring  bread  stufis  in  East  Tennessee,  and  of 
transporting  them  by  water  to  Fort  Deposit,  it  is  to 
me  wholly  unaccountable  that  not  a  pound  has  ever 
arrived  at  that  place.  This  evil  must  continue  no 
longer — it  must  be  remedied.  I  expect,  therefore, 
and  through  you  must  require,  that  in  twenty  days 
they  furnish  at  Deposit  every  necessary  supply."* 

Whilst  these  measures  were  taking,  the  volun- 
teers, through  several  of  their  officers,  were  press- 
mg  on  the  consideration  of  the  general,  the  ex- 
piration of  their  term  of  service,  and  claiming  to 
be  discharged  on  the  10th  of  the  month.  From 
the  colonel,  who  conunanded  the  second  regiment, 
he  received  a  letter,  dated  the  4th,  in  which  was 
attempted  to  be  detailed  their  whole  ground  of 
complaint.  He  began  by  stating,  that,  painful  as  it 
was,  he,  nevertheless,  felt  himself  bound  to  dis- 
close an  important  truth;  that,  on  the  10th,  the 
service  would  be  deprived  of  the  regiment  he  com- 
manded. He  seemed  to  deplore,  with  great  sensi- 
bility, the  scene  that  would  be  exhibited  on  that 
day,  should  opposition  be  made  to  their  departure ; 
and  still  more  sensibly,  the  consequences  that  would 
result  from  a  disorderly  abandonment  of  the  camp. 
He  stated  they  had  all  considered  themselves  finally 
discharged  on  the  20th  of  April,  and  never  knew 
to  the  contrary,  until  they  saw  his  order  of  the  24th 
of  September,   requiring   them  to  rendezvous  at 

•  ladepeodent  of  an  advantageous  contract  mado  with  th« 
fovernmeni,  the  state  of  Tennessee  hnd  extended  to  tbia  con- 
iTMtor  a  liberal  lo^"  '*wu  immediate  supplies  might  be  ibrwara 
ML 


litn    Of   •INIIIAL   JACEfOV.  73 

f  ay«tt«Tille,  on  the  4th  of  October ;  fbr  the  first 
time,  they  then  learned  that  they  owed  fiirther  ser- 
vices, their  discharge  to  the  contrary  notwithstand  - 
ing.  "  Thus  situated,  there  was  considerable  op- 
position to  the  order  ;  on  which  the  officers  gener- 
ally, as  I  am  advised,  and  I  know  myself  in  partic- 
ular, gave  it  as  an  unequivocal  opinion,  that  their 
term  of  service  would  terminate  on  the  10th  of 
December. 

«  They  therefore  look  to  their  general,  who  holds 
their  confidence,  for  an  honourable  discharge  on 
that  day ;  and  that,  in  every  respect,  he  will  see 
that  justice  be  done  them." 

Although  this  communication  announced  the  de- 
termination of  only  a  part  of  the  volunteer  brig- 
ade, he  had  already  abundant  evidence  that  the 
defection  was  but  too  general. 

"  I  know  not,"  he  observed,  « what  scenes  will 
DO  exhibited  on  the  10th  instant,  nor  what  con- 
sequences are  to  flow  from  them  here  or  else- 
where ;  but,  as  I  shall  have  the  consciousness  that 
they  are  not  imputable  to  any  misconduct  of  mine, 
I  trust  I  shall  have  tlie  firmness  not  to  shrmk  from 
a  discharge  of  my  duty. 

« It  will  be  well,  however,  for  those  who  intend 
to  become  actors  in  those  scenes,  and  who  are 
about  to  hazard  so  much  on  the  correctness  of  their 
opinions,  to  examine  beforehand,  with  great  caution 
and  deliberation,  the  grounds  on  which  their  pre 
fusions  rest.  Are  they  founded  on  any  false 
assurances  of  mine,  or  upon  any  deception  that 
has  been  practised  towards  them  ?  Was  not  the 
act  of  congress,  under  which  they  are  engaged, 
directed,  by  my  general  order,  to  be  read  and  ex- 
pounded to  them  before  they  enrolled  themselves 


74  Lfri  or  eErvEBAL  /ackson. 

That  order  will  testify,  and  so  will  the  recollectioc 
of  every  general  officer  of  my  division.  It  is  not 
pretended  that  those  who  now  claim  to  be  dis- 
charged were  not  legally  and  fuirly  enrolled  under 
die  act  of  congress  of  the  6th  of  February,  1812. 
Have  they  performed  the  service  required  of  them 
by  that  act,  and  which  they  then  solemnly  under- 
took to  perform  ?  That  required  one  year's  ser- 
vice out  of  two,  to  be  computed  from  the  day  of 
rendezvous,  unless  they  should  be  sooner  discharg- 
ed. Has  one  year's  service  been  performed  ?  This 
cannot  be  seriously  pretended.  Have  they  then 
been  discharged?  It  is  said  they  have,  and  by  mc. 
To  account  for  so  extraordinary  a  belief,  it  may  be 

necessary  to  take  a  review  of  past  circumstances." 
******* 

To  the  platoon  officers,  who  addressed  him  on 
the  same  subject,  he  replied  with  spirited  feeling  ■ 
but  discontent  was  too  deeply  fastened,  and,  by  de- 
signing men,  had  been  too  artfully  fomented,  to  be 
removed  by  any  thing  like  argument  or  entreaty 
At  length,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th,  Genera) 
Hall  hastened  to  the  tent  of  Jackson,  with  informa- 
tion that  his  whole  brigade  was  in  a  state  of  muti 
ny,  and  making  preparations  to  move  forcibly  off 
This  was  a  measure  which  every  consideration  of 
policy,  duty,  and  honour,  required  Jackson  to  op- 
pose ;  and  to  this  purpose  he  instantly  applied  aU 
the  meana  he  possessed.  He  inmiediately  issued 
the  following  general  order  : 

"  The  conunanding  general  bemg  informed  thai 
an  actual  mutiny  exists  in  his  camp,  all  officers  and 
soldiera  are  commanded  to  put  it  down. 

'*The  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  first  brigade 
will,  without  delay,  parade  on  the  west  side  of  tho 


Uri  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON.  75 

fort,  and  await  further  orders."  The  artillery  com- 
pany, with  two  small  field-pieces,  being  posted  ii; 
the  front  and  rear,  and  the  militia,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Wynne,  on  the  eminences  in 
advance,  were  ordered  lo  prevent  any  forcible  de- 
parture of  the  volunteers. 

The  general  rode  along  the  line,  which  had  been 
previously   formed    agreeably   to   his   orders,  and 
addressed  them,  by  companies,  in  a  strain  of  im- 
passioned eloquence.     He  feelingly  expatiated  on 
their  former  good  conduct,  and  the  esteem  and 
applause  it  had  secured  them ;  and  pointed  to  the 
disgrace  which  they  must  heap  upon  themselves, 
their  families,  and  country,  by  persisting,  even  if 
they  could  succeed,  in  their  present  mutiny.     He 
told  them,  however,  they  should  not  succeed  but  by 
passing  over  his  body  ;  that  even  in  opposmg  their 
mutinous  spirit,  he  should  perish  honourably — by 
perishing  at  his  post,   and  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty.   "  Reenforcements,"  he  continued,  "  are  pre- 
oaring  to  hasten  to  my  assistance:  it  cannot  be 
long  before  they  will   arrive.     I  am,  too,  in  daily 
expectation  of  receiving  information  whether  you 
may  be  discharged  or  not— until  then,  you  must 
not,  and  shall  not  retire.     I  have  done  with  en- 
treaty,— it  has   been   used  long  enough. — I   ^yil] 
attempt  it  no   more.     You   must   now   determine 
whether  you  will  go  or  peaceably  remain :  if  you 
still  persist  in  your  determination  to  move  forcibly 
off,  the  point  between  us  shall  soon  be  decided." 
At  first  they  hesitated  ; — he  demanded  an  explicit 
and  positive  answer.     They  still  hesitated,  and  he 
commanded  the  artillerists  to  prepare  the  match , 
he  himself  remaining  in  front  of  the  volunteers, 
and  within  the  line  of  fire,  which  he  intended  boob 
7 


7$  Un    OF   GENERAL   jAC&SOlf. 

to  order.  Alarmed  at  his  apparent  determinatioi^ 
and  dreading  the  coasequences  involved  in  auch  a 
contest ;  "  Let  us  return,"  was  presently  lisped 
along  the  line,  and  soon  after  determined  upon 
The  officers  now  came  forward,  and  pledged  them- 
selves for  their  men,  who  either  nodded  assent,  or 
openly  expressed  a  willingness  to  retire  to  their 
quarters,  and  remain  witliout  further  tumult,  until 
information  were  had,  or  the  expected  aid  should 
arrive.  Thus  passed  away  a  moment  of  the  great- 
est peril,  and  pregnant  with  important  conse- 
quences. 

Although  the  immediate  execution  of  their  pur- 
pose was  thus  for  the  present  prevented,  it  was 
presently  ascertained  not  to  be  wholly  abandoned, 
and  that  nothing  could  be  expected  from  their 
ftiture  fidelity  and  services.  Jackson,  therefore, 
determined  to  rid  himself,  as  soon  as  possible,  of 
men  whose  presence  Answered  no  other  end  than 
to  keep  alive  discontents  in  his  camp.  He  accord- 
ingly prepared  an  order  to  General  Hall,  to  march 
his  brigade  to  Nashville,  and  to  dispose  of  them  aa 
he  should  be  directed  by  the  governor  of  Tennes- 
see. Previous  to  promulgating  this,  he  resolved 
to  make  one  further  effort  to  retain  them,  and  to 
make  a  last  appeal  to  their  honour  and  patriotism 
For  this  purpose,  having  assembled  them  before  the 
fort,  on  the  13th,  he  directed  his  aid-de-camp  to 
read  an  address. 

Warm  and  feeling  as  was  the  appeal,  it  failed 
of  the  desired  effect.  Captain  Williamson  alone 
agreed  to  remain.  Finding  that  their  determina- 
tion to  abandon  the  service  could  not  be  changed, 
and  that  every  principle  of  patriotism  waa  forgo^ 
WOf  the  general  communicated  his  order  to  G«ntnik 


ura  or  e«!fEiiAL  jackson.  77 

Hall,  and  directed  him  to  march  his  bngade  to 
Nashville,  and  await  such  instructions  as  he  might 
receive  from  the  president,  or  the  governor  of  Ten- 
nessee. 

General  Cocke,  on  the  12th,  had  ai  rived  a*  Fort 
Strother  with  fifteen  hundred  men ;  but  it  was 
found  from  his  report,  that  no  part  of  his  troops 
had  been  brought  into  the  field  under  the  requisition 
of  the  president  of  the  United  States ;  and  that 
the  term  of  service  of  the  greater  portion  of  them 
would  expire  in  a  few  days,  and  of  the  whole 
in  a  few  weeks.  In  consequence  of  this,  he 
was  ordered  into  his  district,  to  comply  with  that 
requisition,  and  to  carry  back  with  him,  and  to  dis- 
charge near  their  homes,  those  of  his  troops,  the 
period  of  whose  service  was  within  a  short  time  ol 
being  ended.  Colonel  Lilliard's  regiment,  which 
consisted  of  about  eight  hundred,  and  whose  term 
of  service  would  not  expire  in  less  than  four  weeks, 
was  retained,  to  assist  in  defending  the  present 
post,  and  in  keeping  open  the  communication  with 
Deposit,  until  the  expected  reenforcements  should 
arrive  from  Tennessee. 

Meantime  the  cavalry  and  mounted  riflemen, 
who,  under  an  express  stipulation  to  return  and 
complete  the  campaign,  had  been  permitted  to  re- 
tire into  the  settlements,  had,  at  the  time  appointed 
re-assembled  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Huntsville 
But,  catching  the  infection  of  discontent  from  the 
infantry,  on  their  return  march,  they  began  now 
to  clamour  with  equal  earnestness  for  a  discharge. 
The  cavalry  insisted  that  they  were  as  well  entitled 
to  it  as  the  infantry ;  and  the  riflemen,  that  they 
could  not  be  held  in  service  after  the  24tb,  that 
being  three  months  from  the  tune  they  had  been 


8  LIFB    OP    GENERAL    JACKSOII. 

mustered  ;  and  that,  as  that  day  was  so  neat  at 
hand,  it  was  wholly  useless  to  advance  any  farther. 
General  Coffee,  who  was  confined  at  Huntsville 
by  severe  indisposition,  employed  all  the  means 
which  his  debilitated  strength  would  allow,  to  re- 
move the  dangerous  impressions  they  had  so  readily 
imbibed,  and  to  reclaim  them  to  a  sense  of  honour 
and  of  duty  ;  but  all  his  efforts  proved  unavailing. 
He  immediately  ordered  his  brigade  to  head-quar 
ters  :  they  had  proceeded  as  far  as  Ditto's  Perry 
when  the  greater  part  of  them,  refusing  to  cross 
the  river,  returned  in  a  tumultuous  manner,  com- 
mitting on  the  route  innumerable  irregularities 
which  there  was  no  force  sufficient  to  restrain 
Not  more  than  seven  hundred  of  the  brigade  could 
be  gotten  over  ;  who,  having  marched  to  Deposit, 
were  directed  to  be  halted,  until  further  orders 
could  be  obtained  from  General  Jackson.  At  this 
place  they  committed  the  wildest  extravagances  : 
profusely  wasting  the*  public  grain,  which,  with 
much  difficulty  and  labour,  had  been  collected  for 
the  purpose  of  the  campaign  ;  and  indulging  in 
every  species  of  excess.  Whilst  thus  rioting, 
they  continued  to  clamour  vociferously  for  their 
discharge.  General  Coffee,  finding  his  utmost  ef- 
forts ineffectual  to  restrain  or  to  quiet  them,  wrote 
to  Jackson,  acquainting  him  with  their  conduct  and 
demands,  and  enclosing  a  petition  that  had  been 
aadressed  to  him  by  the  rifle  regiment.  In  his 
letter  he  says,  "  I  am  of  opinion  the  sooner  they 
can  be  gotten  clear  of  the  better ;  they  are  con- 
suming the  forage  that  will  be  necessary  for  others, 
and  I  am  satisfied  they  will  do  no  more  good.  I 
have  told  them  their  petition  would  be  submitted 
U>  JOM,  who  would  decide  upon  it  in  the  shorlest 


Lira    OF   SElfERAL   JACKSON  7# 

poanble  time."  This  was  truly  disafreeable  newt 
to  the  general.  On  the  brigade  of  Coffee  he  had 
placed  great  reliance,  and,  from  the  pledges  it  had 
given  him,  entertained  no  fears  but  that  it  would 
return  and  act  with  him,  as  soon  as  he  should  be 
ready  to  proceed. 

The  signers  of  that  address,  observes  the  gen- 
eral, commence  by  saying,  "  that  jealousy  is  pre- 
vailing in  our  camp,  with  respect  to  the  understand- 
ing between  themselves  and  the  government  rela- 
tive to  the  service  required  of  them ;  and,  believing 
t  to  be  its  policy  to  act  fairly,  are  of  opinion  that 
d  full  explanation  of  their  case  will  have  a  good 
effect  m  promoting  the  cause  in  which  they  are 
engaged." 

There  was  but  a  single  course  left;  to  point 
them  to  the  pledge  they  had  given,  and  appeal  di- 
rectly to  their  honour,  believing  that  if  this  were 
unsuccessful,  there  was  "nothing  by  which  he 
could  hope  to  hold  them." 

Jackson  had  just  received  a  letter  from  the  gov- 
ernor of  Tennessee,  in  answer  to  his  frequent  and 
pressmg  inquiries,  as  to  the  disposition  which  should 
be  made  of  the  volunteers.  It  recommended  what 
had  already,  from  necessity,  been  done  ;  to  dis- 
miss  not  discharge  them,  because  the  latter  was 

not  in  the  power  of  either  of  them  : — nor  was 
their  dismission  to  be  given  because  founded  in 
right ;  but  because,  under  existing  circumstances, 
their  presence  could  not  prove  beneficial,  but  highly 
injurious.  To  induce  them  contentedly  to  remain, 
the  governor  had  suggested  but  one  argument, 
which  had  not  already  been  unsuccessfully  attempts 
ed  ;  « that  it  was  very  doubtful  if  the  government 
would  pay  them  for  the  services  they  had  ilreadf 
7* 


■D  Ura   or  GKNBR4L  lACKlOJf. 

• 

rendered,  if  abandoned   without   her  actthoritjr* 

The  letter  was  therefore  enclosed  for  their  in- 
spection, accompanied  with  these  remarks  :-~^  I 
have  jnat  received  a  letter  from  Governor  Blount, 
which  I  hasten  to  transmit,  that  you  may  avail 
yourselves  of  whatever  benefits  and  privileges  it 
holds  out  You  will  .perceive,  that  he  does  not 
consider  he  has  any  power  to  discharge  you : — 
neither  have  I: — but  you  have  my  permission  to 
retire  from  the  service,  if  you  are  still  desirous, 
and  are  prepared  to  risk  the  consequences." 

These  letters,  so  far  from  answering  the  desired 
end,  had  a  contrary  efffect  The  governor's  was 
no  sooner  read,  than  they  eagerly  laid  hold  of  it 
to  support  the  resolution  ^ey  had  already  formed , 
and,  without  further  ceremony  or  delay,  abandoned 
the  campaign,  with  their  colonel  at  their  head,  who, 
so  far  from  having  endeavoured  to  reconcile  them, 
is  believed,  by  secret  artifices,  to  have  fbmented 
their  discontents. 

So  general  was  the  dissatisfaction  of  this  brig- 
ade, and  with  such  longing  anxiety  did  they  indulge 
the  hope  of  a  speedy  return  to  their  homes,  that 
their  impatience  did  not  permit  them  to  wait  the 
return  of  the  messenger  from  head-quarters.  Be- 
fore an  answer  could  reach  General  Cofiee,  they 
had  broken  up  their  encampment  at  Deposit,  re- 
crossed  the  river,  and  proceeded  four  miles  beyond 
Huntsville.  On .  receiving  it.  Coffee  had  ♦he  brig- 
ade drawn  up  in  solid  column,  and  the  letters, 
together  with  the  pledge  they  had  given,  read  to 
them;  after  which  the  Reverend  Mr.  Blackburn 
endeavoured  in  an  eloquent  speech,  in  which  he 
pointed  out  the  ruinous  consequences  that  were  to 
be  apprehended,  if  they  persisted  in  their  preteol 


LIFB   OF  GENERAL  JACKSON.  81 

purpose,  to  recall  them  to  a  sense  of  duty,  and  of 
honou'- :  but,  they  had  formed  their  resolution  too 
etecidfastly,  and  had  gone  too  extravagant  lengths, 
to  be  influenced  by  the  letter,  the  pledge,  oi  ih(. 
speech.  As  to  tlie  pledge,  a  few  said  they  nad 
not  authorized  it  to  be  made ;  others,  that,  as  the 
general  had  not  returned  an  immediate  acceptance, 
they  did  not  consider  themselves  bound  by  it;  but 
the  greater  part  candidly  acknowledged,  that  they 
stood  committed,  and  were  without  any  justification 
for  their  present  conduct  Thus,  in  a  tumultuous 
manner,  they  abandoned  their  post  and  their  duty, 
and,  committing  innumerable  extravagances,  re 
gardless  alike  of  law  and  decency,  continued  tlieii 
route  to  their  respective  homes. 


UWm  OP  OKNUUL  JACKSOW. 


CHAPTER  IV 

DuconttnU  cftht  mUitia. — Oovemor  Blount  rtcommauia  eon  abcm 
donmmt  of  the  service. — Jackson's  reply  to  his  letter. —  Thi 
governor  taken  measures  for  bringing  mA  a  sufficient  forct.-~ 
Conduct  of  Oeneral  Roberts. — His  brigade  retires  from  ser 
vice. — Lieidenant  Kearley. — Arrival  of  additional'  forces. — 
Arrest  of  officers. — Expedition  vainst  tlie  Indians. — His 
motives. — Battle  of  Emuckfaic. — Ueneral  Coffee  proceeds  to 
destroy  the  enemy's  fortifkaitons. — Second  battle  of  Emuck- 
faw. —  Troops  commence'  tneit  return  march. — Ambuscadt 
formed  by  the  bidicms. — Battle  of  Enotichopco 

But,  whilst  these  unfortunate  events  were  tran 
Bpiring  in  the  rear,  matters  were  far  from  wearing 
an  encouraging  aspect  at  head-quarters.  The 
brigade  of  West  Tennessee  militia,  consisting  of 
only  about  six  hundred,  imitating  the  evil  examples 
of  others,  began  to  turn  their  attention  towards 
home.  Believing  that  three  months  constituted  the 
tour  of  duty  contemplated  in  the  act  under  which 
they  engaged,  they  insisted  that  it  would  termin- 
ate on  the  4th  of  the  ensuing  month.  It  is  true, 
the  act  had  not  defined  the  term  of  their  engage- 
ment ;  but  it  had  specified  the  object  of  calling 
them  out,  viz.  to  subdue  the  Indians ; — and,  as  that 
object  had  not  yet  been  attained,  it  was  believed, 
that,  at  present,  they  were  not  entitled  to  a  dis- 
charge. These  troops,  although  raised  by  the 
itate  authorities,  had  been,  by  the  particular  re- 
commendation of  the  legislature,  received  into  the 
service  of  the  general  government,  under  the  act 
of  congress  authorizing  the  president  to  call  out  a 
hundred  thousnnd  militia,  to  serve  for  six  months, 
unlen  by  hit  own  order  they  ihoald  be  prerioQfllj 


Ufn  or  OlfflEAL  lACKlOll.  ti 

diflrmiMed.  The  militi&  of  East  Tennessee,  ha?ing 
been  specially  mustered  into  service  for  three 
months,  would,  of  course,  be  entitled  to  claim  their 
disDiissal  at  the  expiration  of  that  period ;  hence 
Colonel  Lilliard's  regiment,  which  constituted  more 
than  one  half  the  present  force  at  head-quarters, 
would  be  lost  to  the  service  on  the  14th  of  the 
oext  month. 

With  the  failure  of  General  Cocke,  to  bring  into 
the  field  the  number  and  description  of  troops  which 
he  had  been  ordered  to  raise  under  the  requisition 
of  the  president,  as  well  as  with  the  temper  and 
demands  of  those  who  were  in  ser\ice,  Jack- 
son kept  the  governor  of  Tennessee  correctly  ad- 
vised, and  omitted  no  opportunity  of  entreating 
him,  in  the  most  pressing  manner,  to  take  the 
earliest  measures  for  supplying  by  draft,  or  volun- 
tary enlistment,  the  present  deficiency,  aa  well  as 
that  which,  from  every  appearance,  was  soon  to  be 
expected.  To  these  solicitations,  he  had  now  re- 
ceived the  governor's  answer,  who  stated,  that, 
having  given  an  order  to  bring  into  the  field  fifteen 
hundred  of  the  detached  militia,  as  was  required  by 
the  secretary  of  war,  and  a  thousand  volunteers, 
under  the  act  of  the  legislature  of  Tennessee  of  the 
^24th  September,  he  did  not  feel  himself  authorized 
to  grant  any  new  mandate,  although  satisfied  that 
the  first  had  not  been  complied  with  ;  that  he  view- 
ed the  further  prosecution  of  the  campaign,  at- 
tended as  it  was  with  so  many  embarrassments,  as 
a  fruitless  endeavour ;  and  concluded  by  recom- 
mending, as  advisable,  to  withdraw  the  troops  into 
tlie  settlements,  and  suspend  all  active  operationt 
antil  the  general  government  should  provide  more 
0fiectual  means  for  conducting  it  to  a  favourable 


84  UFI   or  SBNBRAL   JACKSON. 

refult  Jackson,  far  fVom  having  any  intention  to 
jrield  to  this  advice,  detennined  to  oppose  it  Still. 
however,  he  was  ^eatly  concerned  at  the  view  the 
chief  magistrate  of  his  state  seemed  to  take  of  a 
question  of  such  vital  importance  ;  and  immediately 
proceeded  to  unfold  himself  fuUy,  and  to  suggest 
the  course,  which,  he  believed,  on  the  present  oc- 
casion, it  behooved  them  both  to  pursue :  pointing 
out  the  ruinous  consequences  that  might  be  expected 
to  result  from  the  adoption  of  the  measure  he  had 
undertaken  to  recommend : — he  continues : 

"  Had  your  wish,  that  I  should  discharge  a  part 
of  my  force,  and  retire,  with  the  residue,  into  the 
settlements,  assumed  the  form  of  a  positive  order, 
it  might  have  furnished  me  some  apology  foi  pur- 
suing such  a  course  ;  but  by  no  means  a  full  justi- 
fication. As  you  would  have  no  power  to  give 
such  an  order,  I  could  not  be  inculpable  in  obeying, 
with  my  eyes  open  to  the  fatal  consequences  that 
would  attend  it.  But  a  bare  recommendation, 
founded,  as  I  am  satisfied  it  must  be,  on  the  artful 
suggestions  of  those  fire-side  patriots,  who  seek,  in 
a  failure  of  the  expedition,  an  excuse  for  their  own 
supineness, — and  upon  the  misrepresentations  of  the 
discontented  from  the  army,  who  wish  it  to  be  be- 
lieved, that  the  difficulties  which  overcame  tlieir  pat- 
noism  are  wholly  insurmountable — would  afford  me 
but  a  feeble  shield  against  the  reproaches  of  my 
country  or  ray  conscience.  Believe  me,  my  respected 
friend,  the  remarks  I  make  proceed  from  the  purest 
personal  regard.  If  you  would  preserve  your 
reputation,  or  that  of  the  state  over  which  you 
preside,  you  must  take  a  straight-forward,  determin- 
ed course ;  regardless  of  the  applause  or  censure 
of  the  populace,  and   of  the  forebodings  of  thai 


UFK    OP   GENERAL   JACKSON.  86 

dutardly  and  designing  crew  who,  at  a  time  like 
thi0,  may  be  expected  to  clamour  continually  in 
vour  ears.  The  very  wretches  who  now  beset 
you  with  evil  counsel,  will  be  the  first,  should  the 
measures  which  they  recommend  eventuate  in  dis- 
aster, to  call  down  imprecations  en  your  head,  and 
load  you  with  reproaches.  Your  country  is  in  dan- 
ger : — apply  its  resources  to  its  defence !  Can  any 
course  be  more  plain  ?  Do  you,  my  friend,  at  such 
a  moment  as  the  present,  sit  with  your  arms  folded, 
ind  your  heart  at  ease,  waiting  a  solution  of  your 
doubts,  and  a  definition  of  your  powers  ?  Do  you 
wait  for  special  instructions  from  the  secretary  at 
war,  which  it  is  impossible  for  you  to  receive  in 
time  for  the  danger  that  threatens  ?  How  did  the 
venerable  Shelby  act,  under  similar  circumstances  ; 
or,  rather,  under  circumstances  by  no  means  so 
critical  ?  Did  he  wait  for  orders  to  do  what  every 
man  of  sense  knew — ^what  every  patriot  felt — to  be 
right  ?  He  did  not ;  and  yet  how  highly  and  justly 
did  the  government  extol  his  manly  and  energetic 
conduct!  and  how  dear  has  his  name  become  to 
every  friend  of  his  country ! 

"  You  say,  that  an  order  to  bring  the  necessary 
quota  of  men  into  the  field  has  been  given,  and  that 
of  course  your  power  ceases ;  and,  although  yc.i 
are  made  sensible  that  the  order  has  been  wholly 
neglected,  you  can  take  no  measure  to  remedy  the 
omission.  Widely  difierent,  indeed,  is  my  opinion. 
I  consider  it  your  unperious  duty,  when  the  men, 
laJed  for  by  your  authority,  founded  upon  that  of 
the  gorernmeni,  are  known  not  to  be  in  the  field, 
to  see  that  they  be  brought  there ;  and  to  take  im- 
mediate measures  with  the  officer,  who,  charged 
with  the  execution  of  your  order,  omits  or  neglecli 


W  Lira   OF  QSNIftAL  JACKSON. 

to  do  h;.  Ab  the  executive  of  the  state,  it  lb  youi 
duty  to  see  that  the  full  quota  of  troops  be  con- 
stantly kept  '.u  the  field,  for  the  time  they  have 
been  required.  You  are  responsible  to  the  govern- 
ment ;  your  officer  to  you.  Of  what  avail  is  it,  to 
give  an  order,  if  it  be  never  executed,  and  may  be 
disobeyed  with  impunity?  Is  it  by  empty  man- 
dates that  we  can  hope  to  conquer  our  enemies, 
and  save  our  defenceless  frontiers  from  butchery 
and  devastation  ?  Beliere  me,  my  valued  friend, 
there  are  times  when  it  is  highly  criminal  to  shrink 
from  responsibility,  or  scruple  about  the  exercise 
of  our  powers.  There  are  times  when  we  must 
t  isregard  punctilious  etiquette,  and  think  only  of 
serving  our  country.  What  is  really  our  present 
situation.-  The  enemy  we  have  been  sent  to  sub- 
due may  be  said,  if  we  stop  at  this,  to  be  only  ex- 
asperated. The  commander  in  chief.  General  Pinck- 
ney,  who  supposes  me  by  this  time  prepared  for 
renewed  operations,  has  ordered  me  to  advance 
and  form  a  junction  with  the  Georgia  army  ;  and, 
ujwn  the  expectation  that  I  will  do  so,  are  all  his 
arrangements  formed  for  the  prosecution  of  the 
campaign.  Will  it  do  to  defeat  his  plans,  and  jeop- 
ardize the  safety  of  the  Georgia  army  ?  The  gen- 
eral government,  too,  believe,  and  have  a  right  to 
believe,  that  we  have  now  not  less  than  five  thou- 
sand men  in  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country ,  and 
on  this  opinion  are  all  their  calculations  bottomed ; 
and  must  they  all  be  frustrated,  and  I  become  the 
matrument  by  which  it  is  done?     God  forbid! 

"  You  advise  me  to  discharge  or  dismiss  from  ser 
nee,  until  the  will  of  tlie  president  can  bo  known, 
such  portion  of  the  militia  as  have  rendered  three 
months'  service.    This  advice  astonishes  me^  eveo 


Lk.  it    Ov'    QfiNERAL   JACKBON.  87 

DK>re  than  the  former.  I  have  no  such  discretiona- 
ry power ;  and  if  I  had  it  would  be  impolitic  and 
ruinous  to  exercise  it  I  believed  the  militia,  who 
were  not  specially  received  for  a  shorter  period, 
were  engaged  for  six  months,  unless  the  objects  of 
the  expedition  should  be  sooner  attained  ;  and  in 
this  opinion  I  was  greatly  strengthened  by  your 
letter  of  the  15th,  in  which  you  say,  when  answer- 
ing my  inquiry  upon  tliis  subject,  '  the  militia  are 
detached  for  six  months'  service  ;'  nor  did  I  know 
or  suppose,  you  had  a  different  opinion,  until  the 
arrival  of  your  last  letter.  This  opinion  must,  1 
suppose,  agreeably  to  your  request,  be  made  known 
to  General  Roberts's  brigade,  and  then  the  conse- 
quences are  not  difficult  to  be  foreseen.  Every 
man  belonging  to  it  will  abandon  me  on  the  4th  of 
next  month ;  nor  shall  I  have  the  means  of  pre- 
venting it,  but  by  the  application  of  force,  which, 
under  such  circumstances,  I  shall  not  be  at  liberty 
to  use.  I  have  laboured  hard  to  reconcile  these  men 
to  a  continuance  in  service  until  they  could  be  hon- 
ourably discharged,  and  had  hoped  I  had,  in  a  great 
measure,  succeeded ;  but  your  opinion,  operating 
with  their  own  prejudices,  will  give  a  sanction  to 
their  conduct,  and  render  useless  any  further  at- 
tempts. The^  ./ill  go ;  but  I  can  neither  discharge 
nor  dismiss  them.  Shall  I  be  told,  that,  as  they  will 
go,  it  may  as  well  be  peaceably  permitted  ?  Can  that 
be  any  good  reason  why  I  should  do  an  unautho- 
rized act'  Is  it  a  good  reason  why  I  should  vio- 
late the  order  of  my  superior  officer,  and  evince  a 
willingness  to  defeat  the  purposes  of  my  goverD- 
ment?  And  wherein  Joes  the  'sound  policy'  of 
t\  aeasures  that  have  been  recommended  coniiat^ 
Oi   m  what  way  are  they  'likely  to  proa^te  the 


88  UrS   OF  GENERAL  JACKSOM. 

public  good  ?'  Is  it  sound  policy  to  abandon  a  con- 
quest thus  far  made,  and  deliver  up  to  havoc,  or  add 
to  the  number  of  our  enemies,  those  friendly  Creeks 
and  Cherokees,  who,  relying  on  our  protection,  have 
espoused  our  cause,  and  aided  us  with  their  anns  ? 
Is  it  good  policy  to  turn  loose  upon  our  defenceless 
frontiers  five  thousand  exasperated  savages,  to  reek 
tlieir  hands  once  more  in  the  blood  of  our  citizens  ? 
What !  retrograde  under  such  circumstances  !.  I 
will  perish  first.  No ;  I  will  do  my  duty :  I  will 
hold  the  posts  I  have  established,  until  ordered  to 
abandon  them  by  the  commanding  general,  or  die 
in  the  struggle  ; — long  since  have  I  determined  not 
to  seek  the  preservation  of  life  at  the  sacrifice  of 
reputation. 

"  But  our  frontiers,  it  seems,  are  to  be  defended ; 
and  by  whom  ?  By  the  very  force  that  is  now  re 
commended  to  be  dismissed :  for  I  am  first  told  to 
retire  into  the  settlenSents  and  protect  the  frontiers , 
next,  to  discharge  my  troops ;  and  then,  that  no 
measures  can  be  taken  for  raising  others.  No,  ray 
friend,  if  troops  be  given  me,  it  is  not  by  loitering 
on  the  frontiers  that  I  wiU  seek  to  give  protection 
— tliey  are  to  be  defended,  if  defended  at  all,  in  a 
very  diflferent  manner  ; — by  carrying  the  war  into 
the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country.  All  other  hopes 
of  defence  are  more  visionary  than  dreams.  What, 
then,  is  to  be  done  ?  I'D  tell  you  what.  You  have 
only  to  act  with  the  energy  and  decision  the  crisis 
demands,  and  all  will  be  well.  Send  me  a  force 
engaged  for  six  months,  and  I  will  answer  for  the 
result ; — but  withhold  it,  and  all  is  lost, — the  repu- 
tation of  the  ftate,  and  your's,  and  mine  along  WAtb 
it" 


Ura   OP  OBNBRAL  IACK80N.  8^ 

Thii  letter  had  considerable  effect  with  the  gov- 
enior.  On  receiving  it,  he  immediately  determined 
on  a  course  of  greater  efficiency,  and  ordered  from 
the  second  division  twenty-five  hundred  of  the  mi- 
litia, for  a  tour  of  three  months,  to  rendezvous  at 
Payetteville  on  the  28th  of  January.  The  com- 
mand was  given  to  Brigadier-General  Johnston,  with 
orders  to  proceed,  without  delay,  to  Fort  Strother 
He  instructed  General  Cocke  to  execute  the  order 
he  had  received  from  Jackson,  for  raising  from  his 
division  his  required  quota  of  troops,  and  to  bring 
them  to  the  field  as  early  as  possible. 

General  Roberts,  who  had  been  ordered  back  to 
supply  the  deficiencies  in  his  brigade,  returned  on 
the  27th  with  one  hundred  and  ninety-one  men, 
mustered  for  three  months.  Having  halted  them 
a  few  miles  in  rear  of  the  camp,  he  proceeded 
thither  hunself,  to  learn  of  the  commanding  general, 
whether  the  troops  he  had  brought  on  would  be  re- 
ceived for  the  term  they  had  stipulated,  as  they 
were  unwilling  to  advance  farther  until  this  point 
was  settled.  Jackson  answered,  that  although  he 
greatly  preferred  they  should  be  engaged  for  six 
months,  yet  he  had  no  wish  to  alter  any  engagement 
made  with  General  Roberts,  and  would  gladly  re- 
ceive them  for  that  period.  Notwithstanding  this 
assurance,  for  some  unknown  cause,  they  suddenly 
formed  the  determination  to  return  home,  without 
gaining  even  a  sight  of  the  camp.  To  the  miscon- 
duct of  their  general,  was  it  justly  to  be  attributed. 

The  careless  indifference  with  which  General 
Roberts  had  first  treated  the  affair  had  subsided ; 
and  his  fears  took  the  alarm  on  receiving  from  Gen- 
eral Jackson  an  order  to  parade  immediately  before 
tbo  fort  tho  men  he  bad  reportod  as  brougbl  into 


to  UfB  OF  eiNl&AL  JACKSON 

the  field.  He  came  forward  to  excuse  what  hid 
happened,  and  to  solicit  permission  to  go  in  pursuit 
of  the  refugees.  Overtaking  them,  at  the  distance 
of  twenty  miles,  he  endeavoured,  in  a  very  gentle 
manner,  to  soothe  their  discontents,  and  prevail  on 
them  to  return ;  but,  having  been  discharged,  they 
laughed  at  the  folly  of  his  errand.  Unable  to 
effect  his  object,  he  remained  with  them  during  the 
night ;  and  in  the  morning  set  out  for  camp,  and  his 
new  recruits  for  home.  On  arriving  at  head-quar- 
ters, he  ascribed  his  failure  to  the  practices  of  cer- 
tain officers,  whom  he  named,  and  who,  he  said, 
had  stirred  up  a  spirit  of  mutiny  and  desertion 
among  the  men  to  such  a  degree,  that  all  his  efforts 
to  retain  them  had  proved  unavailing.  Jackson, 
who  could  not  view  this  mcident  with  the  same 
indifference  that  Roberts  did,  immediately  issued  an 
order,  directing  him  to  proceed,  forthwith,  in  pur- 
suit of  the  deserters,  and  have  them  brought  back. 
In  the  execution  of  this  order,  he  was  conunanded 
to  call  to  his  aid  any  troops  in  the  United  States' 
service  within  the  county  of  Madison,  or  in  the  state 
of  Tennessee,  and  to  exert  all  his  power  and  au- 
thority, as  a  military  officer,  within  his  own  brigade , 
and,  in  the  event  he  should  not  be  able  to  collect 
a  sufficient  force  to  march  them  safely  to  head- 
quarters, to  confine  them  in  jails,  and  make  a  re- 
port thereof  without  delay.  This  order  was  ac- 
coiipanied  with  an  assurance,  that  all  who  should 
return  willingly  to  their  duty,  except  those  officers 
who  had  been  reported  as  the  instigators,  would  be 
pardoned.  Many  of  the  men,  and  several  of  the 
officers,  who  had  been  charged  as  encouraging  the 
"evolt,  learning  the  nature  of  the  proceedings  which 
were  about  to  be  enforced  against  them,  returned  of 


UWM  OP  OBNIRAL  JACKflON.  f  1 

their  own  accord  to  camp ;  n^id  concurred  in  a«* 
cribing  their  late  misconduct  entirely  to  their  gen- 
eral. He  waa  afterwards  arrested,  and,  upon  this 
and  other  charges  exhibited  against  him,  sentenced 
by  a  court-martial  to  be  cashiered. 

The  day  arrived,  when  that  portion  of  the  militia, 
which  had  continued  in  service,  claimed  to  be  dis- 
charged ;  and  insisted  that,  whether  this  were  given 
to  them  or  not,  they  would  abandon  the  campaign, 
and  return  home.  Jackson  believed  them  not  en- 
titled to  it,  and  hence,  that  he  had  no  right  to  give 
it ;  but,  since  Governor  Blount  had  said  differently, 
and  his  opinion  had  been  promulgated,  he  felt  it  to 
be  improper  that  he  should  attempt  the  exercise  of 
authority  to  detain  them.  Nevertheless,  believing 
it  to  be  his  duty  to  keep  them,  he  issued  a  general 
order,  commanding  all  persons  in  the  service  of  the 
(Jmced  States,  under  his  command,  not  to  leave  the 
encampment  without  his  written  permission,  under 
the  penalties  annexed,  by  the  rules  and  articles  of 
war,  to  the  crime  of  desertion.  This  was  accom- 
panied by  an  address,  in  which  they  were  exhorted 
by  all  those  motives  which  he  supposed  would  be 
most  likely  to  have  any  influence,  to  remain  at 
their  posts  until  they  could  be  legally  discharged 
Neither  the  order  nor  the  address  availed  any  thing. 
On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  January,  the  officer 
of  the  day  reported,  that  on  visiting  his  guard,  half 
after  ten  o'clock,  he  found  neither  the  officer,  (Lieu- 
tenant Kearley,)  nor  any  of  the  sentinels  at  their 
posts.  Upon  this  mforraation.  General  Jackson  or- 
dered the  arrest  of  Kearley,  who  refiised  to  sur- 
render his  sword,  alleging  it  should  protect  him  to 
Termessee  ;  that  he  was  a  free  man,  and  not  si '  iect 
to  the  orders  of  General  Jackson,  or  any  body  -  > 
8* 


M  UWm   OP  eCNERAL  lACKaOlf. 

Thii  being  made  known  to  the  general,  he  issued, 
immediately,  this  order  to  the  adjutant-general: 
« You  will  forthwith  cause  the  guards  to  parade, 
with  Captain  Gordon's  company  of  spies,  and  arrest 
Lieutenant  Kearley  ;  and,  in  case  you  shall  be  re- 
sisted in  the  execution  of  this  order,  you  are  com- 
manded to  oppose  force  to  force,  and  arrest  hhn  at 
all  hazards.  Spare  the  efiusion  of  blood,  if  possi- 
ble ;  but  mutiny  must  and  shall  be  put  down." 
Colonel  Sitler,  with  the  guards  and  Gordon's  com- 
pany, immediately  proceeded  in  search,  and  found 
him  at  the  head  of  his  company,  on  the  lines,  which 
were  formed,  and  about  to  be  marched  off.  He 
was  ordered  to  halt,  but  refused.  The  adjutant 
general,  finding  it  necessary,  directed  the  guards 
to  stop  him  ;  and  again  demanded  his  sword,  which 
he  again  refused  to  deliver.  The  guards  were  com- 
manded to  fire  on  him»if  he  did  not  immediately  de- 
liver it,  and  had  already  cocked  their  guns.  At 
this  order,  the  lieutenant  cocked  his,  and  his  men 
followed  the  example.  General  Jackson,  informed 
of  what  was  passing,  had  hastened  to  the  scene, 
and,  arriving  at  this  moment,  personally  demanded 
of  Kearley  his  sword,  which  he  still  obstinately  re 
fused  to  deliver.  Incensed  at  his  conduct,  an^ 
viewing  the  example  as  too  dangerous  to  be  passe<) 
in  silence,  he  snatched  a  pistol  from  his  holster 
and  was  already  levelling  it  at  the  breast  of  Kear 
ley,  when  the  adjutant-general,  interposing  betweea 
them,  urged  him  to  surrender  his  sword.  At  this 
moment,  a  friend  of  the  lieutenant,  who  was  present, 
drew  it  from  the  scabbard,  and  presented  it  to  Colo- 
nel Sitler,  who  refused  to  receive  it  It  was  then 
returned  to  Kearley,  who  now  delivered  it,  and  was 
placed  under  guard.     During  this  crisis,  hcth  par< 


urm  or  general  jackiom.  ft 

tiet  remained  with  their  arms  ready,  and  prepared 
for  firing ;  and  a  scene  of  bloodshed  was  narrowly 
escaped. 

Kearloy,  confined,  and  placed  under  guard,  be 
came  exceedingly  penitent,  and  supplicated  the 
general  for  a  pardon.  He  stated  that  the  absence 
of  the  sentinels  from  their  post  had  been  owing  to 
the  advice  of  the  brigade-major  ;  that  not  delivering 
his  sword,  when  first  demanded,  was  attributable  to 
the  influence  of  others,  who  had  persuaded  him  it 
was  not  his  duty  to  do  so  ;  that  he  had  afterwards 
come  to  the  determination  to  surrender  himself,  but 
was  dissuaded  by  those  who  assured  him  it  would 
oe  a  sacrifice  of  character,  and  that  they  would 
share,  and  protect  him,  in  the  hour  of  danger ;  why 
ae  still  resisted,  in  the  presence  of  the  general, 
was,  that,  being  at  the  head  of  his  company,  and 
laving  undertaken  to  carry  them  home,  he  was  re- 
strained, at  the  moment,  by  a  false  idea  of  honour. 
Phis  application  was  aided  by  certificates  of  several 
of  the  most  respectable  officers  then  in  camp,  at- 
testing his  previously  uniform  good  behaviour,  -^d 
expressing  a  belief  that  his  late  misconduct  was 
wholly  to  be  attributed  to  the  interference  of  others. 
Influenced  by  these  reasons,  the  general  thought 
proper  to  order  his  liberation,  and  his  sword  to  be 
restored.  Never  was  a  man  more  sensible  of  the 
favour  he  had  received,  or  more  devoted  to  his 
benefactor,  than  he  afterwards  became. 

While  these  proceedings  were  taking  place,  the 
rest  of  the  brigade,  with  the  exception  of  Captain 
Willis's  company,  and  twenty-nine  of  his  men,  con- 
tinued their  march  towards  home,  leaving  behind^ 
for  the  further  prosecution  of  the  campaign,  and 
the  defence  of  Fort  Strother,  a  single  regiment  of 


#4  Liri    OF   GBNBRAL   JACK80N. 

militia,  whose  term  of  service  was  within  t  few 
weeks  of  expiring ;  two  small  companies  of  spies, 
and  one  of  artillery. 

Difficulties  were  constantly  pressing  ;  and  whilst 
one  moment  gave  birth  to  expectation,  the  next 
sen'ed  but  to  destroy  it.  Jackson  had  been  ad- 
vised, and  was  buoyed  by  the  hope,  that  adequate 
numbers  would  shortly  come  to  his  relief;  and,  un- 
til this  could  be  accomplished,  it  was  desirable  to 
retain  those  who  then  were  with  him,  to  give  to 
his  posts  increased  protection.  Whilst  measures 
were  adopting  in  Tennessee  to  effect  this  fully, 
about  a  thousand  volunteers  were  moving  out,  to 
preserve  an  appearance  of  opposition,  and  keep  se- 
cure what  had  been  already  gained.  With  tliit' 
force,  added  to  what  he  already  had,  if  in  his  powei 
to  keep  them,  he  believed  he  would  be  able  to  ad- 
vance on  the  enemy,  make  a  diversion  in  favour  of 
the  Georgia  army,  and  obtain  other  important  ad  mon- 
tages. With  this  view,  he  had  addressed  this  regi- 
ment, and  brought  before  them  such  considerations 
as  might  be  supposed  calculated  to  excite  a  soldier's 
ardour.  But  they  almost  unanimously  refused  to  re- 
main beyond  the  period  of  their  engagement. 

As  nothing  but  an  unnecessary  consumption  of 
supplies  was  now  to  be  expected  from  detaining 
troops  so  spiritless,  orders  were  given  for  taking  up 
the  line  of  march  to  Fort  Armstron;?,  on  the  10th ; 
whence  they  were  directed  to  proceed  to  Knox 
ville,  and  receive  orders  for  their  discharge. 

Meantime,  the  volunteers,  lately  raised,  had  ar- 
rived at  Huntflville,  where  they  had  been  directed 
to  remain  until  sufficient  supplies  could  be  had  at 
head  quarters.  Could  they  have  proceeded  direct- 
y  on,  they  would  have  reached  the  general  suffi 


■*? 


UFB   OF   GENERAL   JACKSON.  95 

ciently  early  to  have  enabled  him  to  proceed  agam&t 
the  enemy  before  the  period  at  which  the  remnant 
of  his  troops  would  have  been  entitled  to  a  dis 
charge.  His  exertions  to  have  in  readiness  the 
arrangements  necessary  to  the  accomplishment  of 
this  end,  had  been  indefatigable.  General  Cocke 
had  been  directed  to  give  instructions  to  his  quar- 
ter-master, to  forward  to  Fort  Strother  such  pro- 
visions as  should  arrive  at  Fort  Armstrong  ;  to  pro- 
ceed thence  to  Ross's,  and  make  arrangements  for 
the  speedy  transportation,  from  that  place  to  De 
posit,  of  Jill  tlie  bread  stuff  which  the  contractor 
had  been  required  to  collect  at  that  depot ;  and  to 
have  procured  a  competent  supply  of  that  article, 
as  well  for  the  troops  then  in  the  field,  as  for  those 
which  had  been  ordered  to  be  raised.  The  more 
certainly  to  effect  this  object,  he  had,  on  the  20th 
of  December,  despatched  his  own  quarter-master 
and  adjutant-general  to  Deposit  and  Huntsville,  to 
push  on  what  should  be  collected  at  those  places  ; 
ajid  had,  at  the  same  time,  despatched  one  of 
the  sub-contractors  from  camp,  with  directions  to 
examine  the  situation  of  the  different  depots  ;  and, 
if  found  insufficient  to  meet  the  requisition  he  had 
made,  to  proceed  immediately  to  the  settlements 
in  Tennessee,  and  procure  the  necessary  supplies. 
To  the  contractors  themselves  he  had  addressed 
orders  and  exhortations  almost  without  number  • 
and,  indeed,  from  every  source,  and  through  every 
channel  that  the  hope  of  relief  could  be  discerned, 
had  he  directed  his  exertions  to  obtain  it. 

On  the  second  of  January,  Colonel  CarroU  and 
Mr.  Blackburn  arrived  at  head-quarters,  tc  receive 
imtructions  how  the  volunteers  should  be  organized 
•nd  brought  up.     Having  reported  their  Btren|rth  tt 


M  im    OP    eSNERAL    JACK.80n. 

be  eight  hundred  and  fifty,  they  were  directed  to 
oave  them  formed,  as  had  been  desired,  into  two 
regiments,  under  officers  of  their  own  choice ;  and 
an  order  was  put  into  their  hands,  requiring  Gene- 
ral Coffee,  who  was  then  at  Huntsville,  to  march 
them  to  Fort  Strother,  by  the  10th  instant.  That 
officer,  whose  feelings  had  been  aifficiently  har- 
rowed by  the  late  conduct  and  defection  of  his 
brigade,  learning  that  those  troops  were  unwilling 
for  him  to  have  command  of  them,  had  exnressed  a 
wish  to  General  Jackson  that  it  might  not  be  a.s- 
signed  him ;  in  consequence  of  which,  and  their  own 
request,  the  latter  had  determined,  after  their  arri- 
val at  his  camp,  that  there  should  be  no  intermediate 
commander  over  them,  between  their  colonels  and 
himself.  With  this  proposed  arrangement,  those 
gentlemen  had  been  instructed  to  maice  the  troops 
acquainted  ;  and  were  particularly  requested  to  use 
their  best  endeavours  to  remove  any  erroneous  im- 
pressions that  might  have  been  made  upon  their 
minds. 

General  Coffee,  having  received  the  instructions 
of  General  Jackson,  immediately  gave  orders  to 
Colonels  Perkins  and  Higgins,  who  had  been  chosen 
to  the  command  of  the  two  regiments,  to  march  di- 
rectly for  head-quarters.  To  his  entire  astonish- 
ment, both  these  officers  reftised  to  obey  ;  alleg- 
ing, in  a  written  statement  they  made,  that  General 
Coffee  had  no  right  to  exercise  command  over  them, 
and  that  they  would  disregard  any  he  might  at- 
tempt to  claim.  One  of  them  not  only  refused  obe- 
dience to  the  order,  but  even  went  so  fkr  as  to  re 
fiwe  to  return  it,  or  permit  the  brigade-inspector  to 
take  a  copy ;  thereby  placing  it  out  of  his  power  to 
make  it  known  to  the  rest  of  the  bri|^e. 


UWU  OP   eENFRil.   lACKBON.  97 

Unwilling  aa  Coffee  waa  to  cwate  any  additional 
perplexities  to  the  commanding'  general,  he  felt 
himself  constrained  to  demand  the  arregt  of  tliose 
officers. 

Notwithstanding  the  weighty  consideraticea 
which  had  been  urged  to  produce  an  expeditious 
movement,  it  was  not  until  the  13th  that  those  offi- 
cers, with  their  regiments,  reached  head-quarters. 
Finding  they  were  likely  to  be  noticed,  on  charges 
which  their  better-informed  friends  advised  would 
not  only  deprive  them  of  command,  but  involve 
them  in  disgrace,  they  immediately  made  an  hon- 
ourable concession,  in  which  they  pleaded  igno- 
rance of  military  duty,  as  an  excuse  for  their  mis- 
conduct. 

The  whole  effective  force  consisted,  at  this  tune, 
by  the  reports,  of  little  more  than  nine  hundred 
men. 

Being  addressed  by  the  general,  on  the  15th, 
tiie  mounted  troops  commenced  their  march  to  We- 
iiogee  Creek,  tlirre  miles  from  the  fort.  Jackson, 
with  his  staff,  ahd  the  artillery  company,  joined 
them  next  morning,  and  continued  the  line  of  march 
to  Talladega,  where  about  two  hundred  friendly 
Indians,  Cherokees  and  Creeks,  badly  armed,  and 
much  discouraged  at  the  weakness  of  his  force, 
were  added  to  his  numbers,  without  increasinp- 
much  his  strength.  Seldom,  perhaps,  has  there 
been  an  expedition  undertaken,  fraught  with  great- 
er peril.  Nine  hundred  new  recruits,  entirely  nn- 
acquainted  with  the  duties  of  the  field,  were  to  be 
marched  into  the  heart  of  an  enemy's  country, 
without  a  single  hope  of  escape,  but  from  victory, 
and  that  victory  not  to  be  expected,  but  from  tde 
wisest  precaution,  and  most  determined  bravery 


9*  Um   OF   OBNERAL  JACKSOlf. 

Although  w)  obviously  pregnant  with  danger,  t« 
inarch  was  the  on}y  alternative  that  could  be  adopt- 
ed. No  other  could  afford  a  diversion  favourable 
to  General  Floyd,  who  was  advancing  with  the  ar- 
my from  Georgia,  or  give  favourable  results  to  the 
campaign,  without  which  it  must  soon  have  been 
ibandoned,  for  want  of  men  to  prosecute  it.  An- 
other reason  rendered  such  a  movement  indispen- 
sable. The  officer  commanding  at  Fort  Armstrong 
had  received  intelligence,  that  the  warriors  from 
fourteen  or  fifteen  towns  on  the  Tallapoosa  were 
about  to  unite  their  forces,  and  attack  that  place  ; 
which,  for  the  want  of  a  sufficient  garrison,  was  in 
a  defenceless  situation.  Of  this  General  Jackson 
had  been  advised.  The  present  movement,  hazard- 
ous as  it  was,  was  indispensable,  and  could  alone 
prevent  the  execution  of  such  a  purpose.  On  reach- 
ing Talladega,  he  received  a  letter  from  the  com- 
mandant at  Fort  Armstrong,  confirmatory  of  the 
first  information.  One  also  from  Geaeral  Pinckney, 
by  express,  arrived,  advising  him  that  Floyd,  on  the 
1 0th  instant,  would  move  from  Coweta,  and,  in  ten 
days  thereafter,  establish  a  position  at  Tuckabat- 
chee;  and  recommended,  if  his  force  would  allow 
him  to  do  no  more,  that  he  should  advance  against 
such  of  the  enemy's  towns  as  might  be  within  con- 
venient distance  ;  that,  by  having  his  troops  em- 
ployed, he  might  keep  disafiection  from  his  ranks, 
and  be,  at  the  same  time,  serviceably  engaged  in 
harassing  the  enemy.  If,  therefore,  he  could  have 
hesitated  before,  there  was  now  no  longer  any  room 
X)  do  so.  By  an  expeditious  movement,  he  might 
■ave  Fort  Armstrong,  and  render  an  essential  ser- 
vice to  General  Floyd,  by  detaching  a  part  of  the 
elana  destined  to  proceed  against  him. 


UFB   OF   GENERAL   JACK80N.  99 

As  he  progpressed  on  the  march,  a  want  of  the 
necessary  knowledge  in  his  pilots,  of  subordination 
in  his  troops,  and  skill  in  the  officers  who  com- 
manded them,  became  more  and  more  apparent; 
but  still  their  ardour  to  meet  the  enemy  was  not 
.^bated. 

On  the  evemng  of  the  2 let,  sensible,  from  the 
trttlls  he  had  fallen  in  upon,  fresh,  and  converging 
to  a  point,  that  he  must  be  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  enemy,  Jackson  encamped  his  little  array  in  a 
hollow  square,  on  an  eligible  site,  upon  the  eminen- 
ces of  Erauckfaw,  sent  out  his  spies,  posted  his 
pickets,  doubled  his  sentinels,  and  made  the  neces- 
sary arrangements  to  guard  against  attack.  About 
midnight  the  spies  came  in  and  reported  they  had 
discovered  a  large  encampment  of  Indians,  at  about 
tliree  miles  distance,  who,  from  their  whooping  and 
dancing,  were  no  doubt  apprized  of  his  arrival. 
Every  thing  was  ready  for  their  reception,  if  they 
meditated  an  attack,  or  to  pursue  in  the  morning, 
if  they  did  not.  At  the  dawn  of  day,  the  alarm- 
guns  of  our  sentinels,  succeeded  by  shrieks  and 
savage  yells,  announced  their  presence.  They 
commenced  a  furious  assault  on  the  left  flank,  com 
manded  by  Colonel  Higgins,  which  was  met  with 
great  tirmness.  General  Coffee,  and  Colonels  Car 
roll  and  Sitler,  instantly  repaired  to  the  point  of 
attack,  and,  by  example  and  exhortation,  encouraged 
the  men  to  a  performance  of  their  duty.  The  ac- 
tion raged  for  half  an  hour ;  the  brunt  of  which 
being  against  the  left  wing,  it  had  become  consid- 
erably weakened.  It  being  now  sufficiently  light 
to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  enemy,  and  Cap- 
tain Ferril's  company  having  reenforced  the  left 
wing,  the  \\hole  charged,  under  General  Coffoe» 


100  LfYB   or   GBf^TERAIi    JACftfOll 

and  a  route  immediately  ensued.  The  friendlj 
Indians  joining  in  the  pursuit,  they  were  chased 
about  two  miles,  with  considerable  loss.  We  had 
five  killed,  and  twenty  wounded.  Until  it  became 
light  enough  to  discern  objects,  our  troops  derived 
considerable  advantage  from  their  camp  fires ;  these 
laving  been  placed  at  some  distance  without  the 
encampment,  afforded  a  decided  superiority  in  a 
night  attack,  by  enabling  those  within  to  fire  witL 
great  accuracy  on  an  approaching  enemy,  whilst 
tiiey  themselves  remained  invisible. 

The  pursuit  bemg  over,  Jackson  detached  Cof- 
fee, with  the  Indians,  and  four  hundred  men,  to 
destroy  the  enemy's  encampment,  unless  he  should 
find  it  too  strongly  fortified ;  in  which  event,  he 
was  to  give  information  immediately,  and  wait  the 
arrival  of  the  artille/y.  Coffee,  having  recon- 
noitred this  position,  and  found  it  too  strong  to  be 
assailed  with  the  force  he  commanded,  returned  to 
camp.  He  had  not  returned  more  than  half  an 
hour,  when  a  severe  fire  was  made  upon  the  pickets, 
posted  on  the  right,  accompanied  with  prodigious 
yelling.  General  Coffee  proceeded  to  turn  the  left 
flank  of  the  assailants.  This  detachment  being 
taken  from  different  corps,  he  placed  himself  at 
their  head,  and  moved  briskly  forward.  Those  in 
the  rear,  availing  themselves  of  this  circumstance, 
continued  to  drop  off,  one  by  one,  without  his 
knowledge,  until  the  whole  number  left  with  him 
did  not  exceed  fifty.  It  was  fortunate  that  the 
force  of  the  enemy  he  had  first  to  attack  was  not 
greater.  He  found  them  occupying  a  ridge  of 
open  pine  timber,  covered  with  low  underwood, 
which  afforded  them  many  opportunities  for  con- 
•mlment.     To  deprive  them  of  this  advantage, 


UPB    OF   GENERAL    JACK83N.  101 

Coffee  ordered  his  men  to  dismount  and  charge 
them.  This  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  some 
loss  sustained  in  its  execution  ;  the  general  himself 
was  wounded  through  the  body,  and  his  aid,  Major 
Lonelson,  killed  by  a  ball  through  the  head ; — three 
of  his  men  also  fell.  The  enemy,  driven  back  by 
the  charge,  took  refuge  on  the  margin  of  a  creek, 
covered  with  reeds,  where  they  lay  concealed. 

The  saveges,  having  intended  the  attack  on  the 
right  as  a  feint,  now,  with  their  main  force,  which 
had  been  concealed,  made  a  violent  onset  on  our 
left  line,  which  they  hoped  to  find  in  disorder. 
General  Jackson,  however,  who  had  apprehended 
their  design,  was  prepared  to  meet  it:  this  line 
had  been  ordered  to  remain -firm  in  its  position 
and,  when  the  first  gun  was  heard  in  that  quarter, 
he  repaired  thither  in  person,  and  strengthened  i'. 
by  additional  forces.  The  first  advance  of  the 
enemy  was  sustained  with  firmness,  and  opposed 
with  great  gallantry.  The  battle  was  now  main- 
tained on  the  part  of  the  assailants,  by  quick  aiu. 
irregular  firing,  from  behind  logs,  trees,  shrubbery 
and  whatever  could  aflTord  concealment :  beliinJ 
these,  prostrating  themselves  after  firing,  and  re- 
loading, they  would  rise  and  again  discharge  their 
guns.  After  sustaining  their  fire  in  this  way  for 
some  time,  a  charge,  to  dislodge  them  from  their 
position,  was  ordered :  and  the  whole  line  under 
Colonel  Carroll,  by  a  most  brilliant  and  steady 
movement,  threw  them  into  confusion,  and  they  fled 
precipitately  away. 

In  the  mean  time,  General  Coffee  had  been  en 
deavouring  to  drive  the  savages  on  the  right  fironi 
the  fastnesses  into  which  they  had  retired :  but,  find 
ing  that  this  could  not  be  done  without  haauird  and 


tot  Lira    OF    •IHERAL   JACKBOlf. 

lo88,  he  began  to  retire  towards  the  place  where 
he  had  first  dismounted.  This  expedient,  desired 
for  stratagem,  produced  the  desired  effect.  The 
enemy,  inspirited  by  the  movement,  presuming  it 
a  retreat,  forsook  their  hiding-places,  and  rapidly 
advanced  upon  him.  That  officer  immediately 
availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  thus  afforded 
of  contending  with  them  again  on  equal  terms ; 
and  a  severe  conflict  commenced,  and  continued 
about  an  hour,  in  which  the  loss  on  both  sides  was 
nearly  equal.  At  this  critical  juncture,  when  seve- 
ral of  the  detachments  had  been  killed,  many 
wounded,  and  the  whole  greatly  exhausted  with 
fatigue,  the  dispersion  of  the  enemy  being  effect- 
ed on  the  left,  a  reenforcement  was  despatched  by 
General  Jackson,  which,  making  its  appearance  on 
the  enemy's  left  flank,  put  an  end  to  the  contest 
General  Coffee,  although  severely  wounded,  still 
continued  the  fight,  and,  availing  himself  of  the  ar- 
rival of  tliis  additional  'strength,  instantly  ordered  a 
charge;  when  the  enemy,  foreseeing  their  doom 
fled  in  consternation,  and  were  pursued  with  dread- 
ful slaughter.  It  is  believed  that  at  this  place 
none  escaped.  Thus  drew  to  a  close  a  day  of 
almost  continual  fighting.* 

Having  buried  the  dead,  and  dressed  the  wound- 
ed, preparations  were  made  to  guard  against  an  at- 

*  The  Lidians  had  designed  their  plan  of  operations  well, 
though  the  execution  did  not  succeed.  It  was  intended  to  bring 
on  ihe  attack  at  three  different  points,  at  the  same  time  j  but  a 
party  of  the  Chealegrans.  one  of  the  tribes  which  compose  the 
Crock  confederacy,  who  nad  been  ordered  to  assail  the  right  ex- 
tremity of  our  front  line,  instead  of  doing  so,  thought  it  more  pru- 
dent to  proceed  tc  their  villages,  happy  to  have  passed,  undis- 
covered, the  point  they  had  been  ordered  to  attack.  Brt  for  this, 
the  contest  might  have  terminated  less  advantageously,  perhap* 
diiastrously. 


uri  or  oBifEftAi*  JACKIOH.  lot 

tack  by  night,  by  erecting  a  breast-work  of  timber 
around  the  encampment;  a  measure  the  more 
necessary,  as  the  spirits  of  our  troops,  most  of 
wliom  had  never  before  been  in  collision  with  an 
enemy,  were  observed  visibly  to  flag,  towards  the 
evening.  Indeed,  during  the  night,  it  was  with 
the  utmost  difficidty  the  sentinels  could  be  main- 
tained at  their  posts,  who,  expecting  every  minute 
the  appearance  of  the  enemy,  would,  at  the  least 
noise,  fire  and  run  in.  The  enemy,  however,  whose 
spies  were  aroimd  our  encampment  all  night,  did 
not  think  proper  to  attack  us  in  this  position,  and 
the  morning  broke  without  disturbance.  The  next 
day,  General  Jackson  began  to  think  of  returning 
to  the  Ten  Islands.  Many  reasons  concurred  to 
render  such  a  measure  proper. 

Jackson  ordered  litters  to  be  formed  for  the 
transportation  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  other 
necessary  preparations  to  be  made  for  a  return 
marcli.  Every  thing  being  ready,  it  was  com- 
menced at  ten  o'clock  the  next  morning,  and  con- 
tinued without  interruption  until  nearly  night, 
when  the  army  was  encamped  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
on  the  south  side  of  Enotichopco  Creek,  in  the  di- 
rection to  the  ford. 

As  it  was  evident  the  enemy  had  been  in  pursuit 
during  the  day,  a  breast-work  was  thrown  up,  with 
the  utmost  expedition,  and  arrangements  made  to 
repel  their  attempts,  should  they  meditate  an  at- 
tack, in  the  course  of  the  night,  or  on  the  succeed- 
ing morning.  Prom  a  knowledge  that  they  had 
been  hanging  on  his  rear,  during  the  march  of  the 
preceding  day,  the  general  was  led  to  conjecture 
that  an  ambuscade  had  been  prepared,  and  that  an 
attack  would  be  made  on  him  whilst  crossing  the 
9* 


104  UPK    OF    OBNIRAL    JACKSON 

ereek  in  hia  front.  Near  the  croBsing  place  WM 
ii  deep  ravine,  formed  by  the  projection  of  two 
nills,  overgrown  with  thick  shrubbery  and  brown 
sedge,  which  afforded  every  convenience  for  con- 
i:ealmcnt.  Along  this  route,  the  army,  in  going  out, 
had  passed  ;  Jackson  determined  to  take  a  different 
route  ;  he  secretly  despatohed,  early  next  morning, 
a  few  pioneers,  to  designate  another  crossing  place 
below.  A  suitable  one  was  discovered,  about  six 
hundred  yards  from  the  old  one ;  and  thither  the 
^reneral  now  led  his  army;  having,  previously  to 
commencing  the  march,  formed  his  columns,  and 
the  front  and  rear  guards,  that  he  might  be  in  an 
attitude  for  defence. 

A  beautiful  slope  of  open  woodland  led  down 
tc  tlie  newly  discovered  ford,  where,  except  im- 
mediately on  the  margin  of  the  creek,  which  was 
covered  with  a  few  reeds,  there  was  nothing  to  ob- 
struct the  view.  The  .front  guards,  and  part  of 
the  columns,  had  passed ;  the  wounded  were  also 
over,  and  the  artillery  just  entering  the  creek, 
when  an  alarm-gun  was  heard  in  the  rear.  The 
Indians,  unexpectedly  finding  the  route  was  chang- 
ed, quitted  the  defile,  where  they  had  expected  to 
commence  the  assault,  and  advanced  upon  a  com- 
pany, under  the  command  of  Captain  Russell,  which 
marched  in  the  rear.  Though  assailed  by  supe- 
rior numbers,  it  returned  the  fire,  and  gradually 
retired,  until  it  reached  the  rear  guard,  who,  ac- 
cording to  express  instructions  given,  were,  in  the 
event  of  an  attack,  to  face  about,  and  act  as  the 
advance ;  whilst  the  right  and  lefl  columns  should 
^e  turned  on  their  pivats,  so  as  completely  to  loop 
the  enemy,  and  render  his  destruction  sure.  The 
nghi  coliunn  of  the  rear  guard  was  commanded  by 


Uri   OP   aiNKRAL    JACKSUN.  lOA 

Coloael  Porkini,  the  left  by  Lieutenant-Colonei 
Stun^,  and  the  centre  column  by  Colonel  Carroll 
Jackson  waa  just  passing  the  stream  when  the  firing 
and  yelling  commenced.     Having  instructed  hie 
aid-de-camp  to  form  a  line  for  the  protection  of  the 
wounded,  who  were  but  a  short  distance  in  ad 
vance,  and  afterwards  to  turn  the  left  column,  he 
himself  proceeded  to  the  ri^fht,  for  a  similar  pur- 
pose.    What  was  his  astonishment,  when,  restmg 
in  the  hope  of  certain  victory,  he  beheld  the  right 
and  left  columns  of  the  rear  guard,  after  a  feeble 
resistance,  precipitately  give  way,  bringing   with 
them  confusion  and  dismay,  and  entirely  obstruct- 
nig  the  passage,  over  which  the  principal  strength 
of  the  army  was  to  be  re-crossed !    This  shameful 
flight  was  well  nigh  being  attended  with  the  most 
fatal  consequences  ;  which  were  alone  averted  by 
the   deternuned  bravery   of  a  few.     Nearly   the 
whole  of  the  centre  column  had  followed  the  ex 
ample  of  the  other  two,  and  precipitated  themselves 
into  the  creeii ;  not  more  than  twenty  remained  to 
oppose  the  violence  of  the  first  assault.     The  ar- 
tillery company,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Arm- 
strong, composed  of  young  men  of  the  first  famihes, 
who  had  volunteered  their  services  at  the   com- 
mencement of  the   campaign,  formed   with  their 
muskets  before  the  piece  of  ordnance  they  had,  and 
hastily  dragged  it  from  the  creek  to  an  eminence, 
from  which  they  could  play  to  advantage.     Here 
an  obstinate  conflict  ensued;  the  enemy  endeav- 
ouring to  charge  and  take  it,  whilst  this  company 
formed  with  their  muskets,  and  resolutely  defended 
rhese  young  men,  the  few  who  remained  with 
uj..e\  Carroll,  and  the  gallant  Captain  Q,ua.-les' 
who  fell  at  their  head,  with  Russell's  spies,  not  ex 


106  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

c  eeding  in  the  whole  one  hundred,  maintained,  witk 
the  utmoet  finnness,  a  contest,  for  many  minitet 
against  a  force  five  timej  greater  than  their  own 
and  checked  the  advance  of  the  foe.     The  brave 
Lieutenant  Armstrong  fell  at  the  side  of  his  piece 
bv  a  wound   in   the   groin,   and  exclaimed,  as  ht 
lay,  "  Some  of  you  must  perish ;  but  don't  lose  the 
gun."    By  his  side  fell,  mortally  wounded,  his  as- 
sociate and  friend,   Bird   Evans,  and   the  gallant 
Captain  Hamilton ;  who,  having  been  abandoned  by 
his  men,  at  Port  Strother,  with  his  two  brothers  and 
his  aged  father,  had  attached  himself  to  the  artillery 
company,  as  a  private,  and,  in  that  capacity,  showed 
how  well  be  deserved  to  command  by  the  fidelity 
with  which  he  obeyed.     Perilous  as  the  hour  was, 
this  little  heroic  band  evinced  themselves  cool  and 
collected  as   Ihey  were   brave  in   battle.     In  the 
confusion  of  the  moment,  the  rammer  and  pricker 
of  the  cannon  could  npt  be  disengaged  firom  the 
carnage  ;  in  this  situation,  and  at  such  a  time,  the 
mvention  of  most  young  soldiers  might  have  failed . 
but,  nothing  fearing.  Craven  Jackson  and  Constan 
tine  Perking  drove  home   the   cartridges   with  8 
musket,  and  with  the  ramrod  prepared  them  for 
the  match.     In  the  mean  time,  while  the  conflict 
was  thus  unequally  sustained,  General  Jackson  and 
his  stafi*  had  been  enabled,  by  great  exertions,  to 
restore  something  like  order,  from  confrision.    The 
columns  were  again  formed,  and   put   in  motion ; 
and  small  detachments  had  been  sent  across  the 
creek  to  support  the  little  band  that  there  main 
tained   their   ground.     The   enemy,  perceiving  a 
itrong  force  advancing,  and  being  warmly  assailed 
on  their  lefl  flank  by  Captain  Gordon,  at  the  head 
of  his  company  of  spies,  were  stricken  w'jth  a. arm, 


UWm   OP   GBNBRAL    JACK.80N.  107 

nod  fled  away,  leaving  behind  thieir  blankets,  and 

whatever  was  likely  to  retard  their  flight.  I)e- 
cachmenta  were  ordered  on  the  pursuit,  who,  in  a 
chase  of  two  miles,  destroyed  many,  and  wholly 
dispersed  them. 

in  despite  of  the  active  exertions  made  by  Gene- 
••al  Jackson  to  restore  order,  tiiey  were,  for  some 
dme,  unavailing.  In  addition  to  the  assistance  re- 
seived  from  his  stafl:',  he  derived  much  from  the  aid 
)f  General  Coffee.  That  officer,  in  consequence 
of  the  wound  which  he  had  received  at  Emuckfaw, 
lad,  the  day  before,  been  carried  in  a  litter.  Prom 
,he  apprehensions  indulged,  that  an  attack  would 
probably  be  made  upon  them  that  morning,  he  had 
proceeded  from  the  encampment  on  horseback,  and 
lided,  during  the  action,  with  his  usual  deliberate 
firmness.  Indeed,  all  the  officers  of  his  brigade 
rendered  manifest,  now,  the  value  of  experience. 
This  was  not  a  moment  for  rules  of  fancied  eti- 
luette.  The  very  men,  who,  a  little  time  before, 
wovHd  have  disdained  advice,  and  spurned  an  ordei 
'rora  any  but  their  own  commanders,  did  not  scru- 
ole,  amidst  the  peril  that  surrounded  them,  to  be 
'egulated  by  those  who  seemed  to  be  so  much  bet- 
ter qualified  for  extricating  them  from  their  present 
danger.  The  hospital  surgeon,  Dr.  Shelby,  ap- 
peared in  the  fight,  and  rendered  important  military 
services.  The  adjutant-general,  S.Hler,  hastened 
•tcross  the  creek  in  the  early  part  of  the  action, 
-,o  the  artillery  company,  for  which  he  felt  all  the 
esprit  de  corps,  having  been  once  attached  to  it ; 
And  there  remained,  supporting  them  in  their  duties, 
and  participating  in  their  dangers.  Captain  Gor- 
don, too,  contributed  greatly  to  dispel  the  peril  of 
tht  momeiit,  by  his  active  sally  on  the  left  flank  d 


108  LIFE     OK     UL.NEKAl^    JACR805. 

the  sdvages.  Of  the  general  himself,  it  is  ecaicely 
necessary  to  remark,  that,  but  for  him,  every  tiling 
must  have  gone  to  ruin.  On  him  all  hopes  were 
rested.  In  that  moment  of  confusion,  he  vas  the 
rallying  point,  even  for  the  spirits  of  the  brave 
Firm  and  energetic,  and,  at  the  same  time,  perfect- 
ly self-possessed,  his  example  and  authority  alike 
contributed  to  arrest  the  flying,  and  give  confidence 
to  those  who  maintained  their  ground.  Cov/arJ^ 
forgot  their  panic,  and  fronted  danger,  when  they 
heard  his  voice  and  beheld  his  manner ;  and  the 
brave  would  have  formed  round  his  body  a  ram- 
oart  with  their  own.  In  the  midst  of  showers  of 
sails,  of  which  he  seemed  unmindful,  he  was  seen 
^•erforming  the  duties  of  the  subordinate  officers, 
"allying  the  alarmed,  halting  them  in  their  flight, 
forming  his  columns,  and  inspiriting  them  by  his 
example.  An  array  suddenly  dismayed,  and  thrown 
into  confusion,  was  thuS  happily  rescued  from  a  de- 
struction which  lately  appeared  inevitable.  Our 
total  loss,  in  the  several  engagements,  on  the  22d 
and  this  day,  was  only  twenty  killed,  and  seventy- 
five  woonded,  some  of  whom,  however,  uflerwarda 
died.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  cannot  be  accurately 
stated.  The  bodies  of  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
nine  of  their  warriors  were  found  ;  this,  however, 
may  be  considered  as  greatly  below  the  real  num- 
ber ;  nor  can  their  wounded  be  even  conjectured. 
The  greatest  slaughter  was  in  the  pursuit.  Scat- 
tered through  the  heights  and  hollows,  many  of  the 
wounded  escaped,  and  many  of  the  killed  were  not 
ascertained.  It  is  certain,  however,  as  was  after- 
wards disclosed  by  prisoners,  that  considerably 
more  than  two  hundred  of  those  who,  on  this  oc- 
..a.sion.     vent   out    to  battle,  never  returned  ;  but 


liiri    OF    eSNEBAt    JACKSON.  lOf 

those  who  did  return,  unwilling  it  should  be  known 
that  so  many  were  killed,  feeling  it  might  dispirit 
the  nation,  endeavoured  to  have  it  believed,  and  so 
■^presented  it,  that  they  had  proceeded  on  some 
distant  expedition,  and  wcuJd  be  fo*  s<^me  time  ab- 
sent. 

The  army  encamped,  o'n  the  night  of  the  26th 
within  three  miles  of  Fort  Strother.     Thus  termi 
.lated  an  expedition  replete  with  peril,  but  attended 
tvith  effects  highly  beneficial.    Fort  Armstrong  was 
•elieved  ;  General  Floyd  enabled  to  gain  a  victory 
it  Autossee,  where  he  would  most  probably  have 
net  defeat ;  a  considerable  portion  of  the  enemy's 
Dest  forces  had  been  destroyed  ;  and  an  end  piii 
o  the  hopes  they  had  founded  on  previous  delays 
Discontent  had  been   kept  from  the   ranks  ;   tlu 
iroops  had  been  beneficially  employed ;  and  inac 
!ivity,  the  bane  of  every  array,  had  l«en  avoided. 


lid  Uri  OP  OIRKEAI.  JA< 


CHAPTER  V. 

?7k  voamteera   art  diKharged.—Nno    troop$    arrtvt — Execu 

(ion  of  a  soldier,  and  the^ect  productd. —  Want  of  trtpplies.-^ 
Mutiny  icUh  the  East  Tennessee  brigauie. — General  Jacksan 
Tjuzrches  against  tlie  Indians, — Battle  o7  Tohopeia. — Returns  (c 
Fort  Wmiams. — Exvedition  to  Hbitnleicalee  ;  its  failure,  and 
the  causes. — Forms  a  /unction  with  the  Cfeorgia  troops,  and  pro 
ceedstotlie  Hickory  Ground. — Indians  sue  for  peace, —  Weather- 
ford  surrenders  himself. — Arrival  of  General  Pinckney  at 
liead-quarters. —  Tennessee  troops  are  ordered  to  be  marched 
home,  and  discliarged  from  service. 

The  troops  having  reached  the  post  whence 
'hey  had  set  out,  the  general  determined  to  dis- 
charge them.  The  information  from  Tennessee 
'V  as,  that  there  would  soon  be  in  the  field  a  consid- 
erable force,  enlisted  for  a  period  sufficient  to  e.ffecc 
a  termination  of  the  Indian  war.  He  was  desiious 
of  having  every  thing  in  readiness  by  the  time  of 
their  arrival,  that  they  might  be  carried  without 
delay  into  active  service.  Detaining  his  late  vol- 
unteers, therefore,  a  short  time,  to  complete  boats 
for  the  transportation  of  his  camp  equipage  and 
provisions  down  the  Coosa,  he  directed  them  to  be 
marched  home,  and  there  to  be  honourably  dis- 
missed. The  further  service  of  his  artillery  com- 
pany was  also  dispensed  with.  His  parting  inter- 
view with  them  was  interesting  and  affecting. 

A  letter  from  Jackson  to  Governor  Blount,  added 
to  his  own  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  crisis, 
had  induced  him  to  issue  an  order  on  the  3d,  direct- 
ing *M,enty-fiy8  hundred  of  the  militia  of  the  second 
division  to  be  detached,  organized,  and  equipped, 
10  confonnitj  to  an  act  of  congresi  of  the  6th  of 


tm   OP   GENERAL    JACKSON.  Ill 

April,  1812.  These  were  to  perform  a  tour  of 
three  months,  to  be  computed  from  the  tune  of 
rendezvous,  appointed  to  be  on  the  28th  mstant 
He  had  also  reqmred  General  Cocke  to  bring  into 
the  field,  under  the  requisition  of  the  secretary  of 
war,  the  quota  he  had  been  instructed  to  raise. 
This  officer,  who  had  hitherto  created  so  many 
obstacles,  still  appeared  to  de&ire  nothing  moie 
ardently  than  a  failure  of  the  campaign.  Although 
many  difficulties  had  been  feigned  in  the  execution 
of  the  order  directed  to  hun,  he  was  enabled  to 
muster  into  service,  from  his  division,  about  two 
thousand  men.  These,  however,  as  well  as  those 
called  out  from  West  Tennessee  were  but  indif 
ferently  armed. 

The  thirty-ninth  regiment,  under  Colonel  Wil- 
liams, had  also  received  orders  to  proceed  to  Jack- 
son's head-quarters,  and  act  under  his  command  in 
the  prosecution  of  the  war.  It  arrived  on  the  6th 
or  6th  of  the  month,  about  six  hundred  strong 
Most  of  the  men  were  badly  armed;  this  evil, 
however,  was  shortly  afterwards  remedied. 

The  quarter-masters  and  contractors  were  already 
actively  engaged,  and  endeavouring  to  procure  provi- 
sions and  the  transportations  for  the  army.  The  fail- 
ures, in  regard  to  former  enterprises,  are  to  be  ascrib- 
ed to  these  two  departments ;  to  the  constant  endeav 
our  of  the  contractors  to  procure  provisions  at  a  re 
duced  price,  in  order  to  enhance  their  profits  ;  and  t* 
fears  entertained,  lest,  if  they  should  lay  in  any  larg* 
supply,  It  might  spoil  or  waste  on  theii  hands.  The 
inconveniences  in  the  quarter-master's  department, 
were,  indeed,  less  chargeable  to  the  incumbenta 
than  to  the  causes  which  they  couid  not  control ; 
tor,  to  the  extreme  ruggedness  of  the  way  over 
10 


lit  LIFB   OF   USNCRAL     >AO«M>£f 

which  wagons  had  to  pass,  wu  to  be  added  the 
real  difficulty  of  obtaining  a  si^cient  number  oq 
the  frontiers. 

About  the  middle  of  the  month,  Jackson  ordered 
the  troops  to  advance,  and  form  a  union  at  head- 
quarters, then  at  Port  Strother.  Greatly  to  his 
surprise,  he  soon  after  learned  that  the  contractor 
from  East  Tennessee  had  again  failed  to  comply 
with  his  engagement,  notwithstanding  the  ample 
means  which  he  possessed,  and  the  full  time  allowed 
him  for  that  purpose.  The  troops,  however,  agree- 
ably to  the  order  received,  proceeded  on  their 
march.  Those  from  the  second  division,  under 
Brigadier-General  Johnston,  arrived  on  the  14th; 
which,  added  to  the  force  under  General  Doherty, 
from  East  Tennessee,  constituted  about  five  thou- 
sand effectives.  Composed,  as  this  army  was,  o. 
troops  entirely  raw,  it  \yas  not  to  be  expected  tha» 
any  thing  short  of  the  greatest  firnmess  in  its 
officers  could  restrain  that  course  of  conduct  and 
disorder,  which  had  hitherto  so  unhappily  prevailed. 

The  execution  of  a  private,  (John  Woods,)  who 
had  been  sentenced  by  a  court-martial,  on  a  charge 
of  mutiny,  produced,  at  this  time,  great  excitement, 
and  the  most  salutary  effects.  That  mutinous 
spirit,  which  had  so  frequently  broken  into  the 
camp,  and  for  a  while  suspended  all  active  opera 
tions,  remained  to  be  cnecked.  A  fit  occasion  was 
now  at  hand  to  evince,  that  although  militia,  wheu 
at  their  fire-sides  at  home,  might  boast  an  exemp- 
tion firom  control,  yet  in  the  field  those  high  no- 
tions were  to  be  abandoned,  and  subordination  ob 
served.  Painful  as  it  was  to  the  feelings  of  the 
grencral,  he  viewed  it  as  a  sacrifice  essential  to  the 
preservation  of  jiood  order,  and  left  the  sentence  of 


UWm   OF  OBNBRAL   JAC&80N.  113 

the  court  to  be  inflicted.  The  execution  waa  pro- 
ductive of  the  happiest  effects ;  order  waa  pro- 
duced, and  that  opinion  which  had  so  long  prevailed, 
that  8  militia-man  was  privileged,  and  for  no  offence 
.'iable  to  suffer  death,  was,  from  that  moment^ 
abandoned,  and  a  stricter  obedience  than  had  been 
practised  afterwards  characterized  the  army. 

Nothing  was  wanting  now  to  put  the  troops  in 
motion,  and  actively  to  prosecute  tlie  war,  but  the 
arrival  of  necessary  supplies.  Remonstrance,  en- 
treaty, and  threats,  had  long  since  been  used  and 
exhausted.  Every  mean  had  been  resorted  to,  to 
impress  on  tlie  minds  of  the  contractors  the  ne- 
cessity ol  urging  forward  in  faithful  discharge  of 
their  duty ;  but  the  same  indifference  and  negleci 
were  still  persisted  in.  To  ward  off  the  effects 
of  such  great  evils — evils  which  he  foresaw  must 
again  eventuate  in  discontent  and  revolt — Jack 
son  resolved  to  pursue  a  different  course,  and  no 
longer  depend  on  persons  who  had  so  frequently 
disappointed  him,  and  whose  only  object  was  the 
acquirement  of  wealth.  He  accordingly  despatched 
messengers  to  the  nearest  settlements,  with  direc- 
tions to  purchase  provisions,  at  whatever  price  they 
could  be  procured.  This  course,  to  these  incum- 
bents on  the  nation,  afforded  an  argument  infinitely 
stronger  than  any  to  which  he  had  before  resorted 
Unexpectedly  assailed  in  a  way  they  had  not  pre- 
viously thought  of,  by  being  held  and  made  liable 
for  the  amount  of  the  purchases,  which  by  their 
neglect  was  rendered  necessary,  they  exerted 
themselves  in  discharge  of  a  duty  they  had  hith- 
erto too  shamefully  neglected.  Every  expedient 
had  been  practised  to  urge  them  to  a  compliance  with 
the  obligations  they  were  under  to  their  govern 


&a4         lam  OP  «unuui.  jackmm. 

OMnt ;  until  the  present,  none  had  proved  efibctual. 
In  one  of  his  letters,  about  this  time,  the  genera] 
remarks, — "  I  have  no  doubt  but  a  combination  has 
been  formed  to  defeat  the  objects  of  the  campaign , 
but  the  contractor  ought  to  have  recollected,  that 
he  had  disappointed  and  starved  my  army  once ; 
and  now,  in  return,  it  shall  be  amply  provided  for 
at  his  expense.  At  this  point  he  was  to  have  de- 
livered the  rations — and,  whatever  they  may  cost,  at 
this  place  he  will  be  required  to  pay :  any  price 
that  will  ensure  their  delivery,  I  have  directed  to 
be  given."  The  supplying  an  army  by  contractors, 
he  had  often  objected  to  as  highly  exceptionable 
and  dangerous.  His  monitor,  on  this  subject,  wap 
his  own  experience.  Disappointment,  mutiny,  and 
abandonment  by  his  troops,  when  in  the  full  career 
of  success,  and  an  unnecessarily  protracted  cam- 
paign, were  among  tbp  evils  already  experienced, 
and  which  he  desired,  if  possible,  might  be  in  future 
avoided.  The  difficulties,  the  perplexities,  he  had 
met,  and  the  constant  dissatisfaction  which  had 
rendered  his  troops  inefficient,  were  wholly  to  be 
attributed  to  those,  who,  in  disregard  of  the  public 
good,  had  looked  alone  to  their  own  immediate 
benefit  It  was  high  time  that  the  feelings  and 
interest  of  such  men  should  be  disregarded,  and 
a  sense  of  duty  enforced,  by  that  sort  of  appeal 
which  sordid  minds  best  can  understand->-an  ap- 
peal to  profit  and  the  purse. 

Under  these  and  other  circumstances,  which 
seemed  to  involve  the  most  serious  consequences, 
tne  general  had  but  little  time  for  either  repose  or 
quietness.  Every  thhig  was  moving  in  opposition 
to  his  wishes.  The  East  Tennessee  brigade,  under 
the  command  of  Doherty   having  been  instnicted 


UrS   OP  GENERAL    JACKb^N  116 

tt  halt,  until  adequate  supplies  should  be  receiyed 
at  head-quarters,  had  already  manifested  many 
symptoms  of  revolt,  and  was  with  difficulty  re- 
strained from  abandoning  the  field,  and  returning 
immediately  home.  Added  to  their  own  discon- 
tents, pains  had  been  taken  by  a  personage  high  in 
authority  to  scatter  dissension,  and  to  persuace 
them  that  they  had  been  improperly  called  out,  and 
without  sufficient  authority ;  that  the  draft  was 
illegal,  and  that  they  were  under  no  necessity  of 
remaining.  On  the  morning  that  General  Doherty 
was  about  to  proceed  to  head-quarters,  he  was 
astonished  to  hear  the  drums  beating  up  for  volun 
teers  to  abandon  his  camp  and  return  home.  Not- 
withstanding all  his  efforts  to  prevent  this  injurious 
measure,  one  hundred  and  eighty  deserted.  His 
surprise  was  still  greater,  on  receiving  information 
Di  which  he  confided,  that  instructions  by  Major- 
General  Cocke  had  been  given,  that,  in  the  event 
any  number  of  the  troops  should  be  marched  back 
he  would  take  upon  himself  to  discharge  them 
from  all  responsibility  on  their  return  to  Knoxville 
The  general  had  previously  appeared  at  the  camp 
of  Doherty,  and,  by  different  means,  attempted  to 
excite  mutiny  and  disafiection  among  the  troops. 
As  a  reason  for  being  unwilling  to  assume  the  com- 
mand, and  go  with  them  to  the  field,  he  stated,  that 
they  would  be  placed  in  a  situation  which  he  dis- 
liked to  think  of,  and  one  which  his  feelings  would 
not  enable  him  to  witness  ;  tliat  they  were  about  to 
be  placed  under  the  command  of  General  Jackson, 
who  would  impose  on  them  the  severest  trials,  and 
where  they  would  have  to  encounter  every  imagina- 
ble privation  and  aufieriiig.  He  represented,  that 
it  head-quarters  there  was  not  a  sufficiency  of  pro- 
10  « 


116  LIPK    or    OENERAL    JACKSOIf. 

visiciis  on  hand  to  last  five  clays ;  nor  was  there  a 
probability  that  there  would  happen  any  change  of 
circumstances  for  the  better  ;  that,  should  they 
once  be  placed  in  the  power  of  Jackson,  such  was 
his  nature  and  disposition,  that,  with  the  regular 
force  under  his  command,  he  would  compel  them  to 
serve  whatever  length  of  time  he  pleased.  Doherty, 
who  was  a  brigadier  in  the  first  division,  was  at  a  loss 
to  know  how  he  should  proceed  with  his  own  major- 
general,  who,  having  thus  obtruded  himself  into  his 
camp,  was  endeavouring  to  excite  mutiny  and  re 
volt  :  he  accordingly  despatched  an  express  to 
head-quarters  to  give  information  to  General  Jack- 
son of  what  was  passing  in  Iiis  camp.  The  mes- 
senger arrived,  and,  in  return,  received  an  order  to 
Doherty,  commanding  him,  peremptorily,  to  seize, 
and  send  under  guard  to  Fort  Strother,  every 
officer,  without  regard  to  his  rank,  who  should  be 
found,  in  any  manner,  attempting  to  incite  his  army 
to  mutiny.  General  Cocke,  apprehending  what* 
was  going  on,  or  obtaining  intelligence,  retired  be- 
fore the  order  arrived,  and  thus  escaped  the  pun- 
'shment  due  to  so  aggravated  an  offence. 

About  this  time,  Colonel  Dyer  was  despatched 
.vith  six  hundred  men,  with  orders  to  proceed  to  the 
lead  of  the  Black  Warrior,  and  ascertain  if  anj 
force  of  the  mdians  was  irabodied  in  that  quarter; 
and  disperse  them.  This  detachment,  having  pro 
seeded  eight  days  through  the  heights  along  tht 
Cahawba,  had  fallen  in  with  a  trail  the  enemy  bar 
passed,  stretching  eastwardly,  and  followed  it  fo. 
some  distance.  Apprehending  that  the  army  might 
t)e  on  tlie  eve  of  departing  from  Fort  Strother,  and 
being  unable  to  obtain  any  certain  information  of 


Lira    OP   OBNERAL    JACK.SON.  117 

the  savages,  he  desisted  fi>om  the  pnrsait,  and 
returned  to  camp. 

That  there  might  be  no  troops  in  the  field  in  a 
situation  not  to  be  serviceable,  and  as  supplies  were 
an  important  consideration,  orders  were  given  the 
brigadiers  to  dismiss  from  the  ranks  every  invalid, 
and  all  who  were  not  well  armed. 

General  Jackson,  at  length,  by  constant  and  un- 
remitted exertions,  obtained  such  supplies  as  he 
believed  would  be  necessary  to  enable  him  to 
proceed.  On  the  14th  he  commenced  his  march, 
and,  crossing  the  river,  arrived  on  the  21st  at  the 
mouth  of  Cedar  Creek,  which  had  been  previously 
selected  for  the  establishment  of  a  fort.*  At  this 
place  it  became  necessary  to  delay  a  day  or  two, 
and  await  the  coming  of  the  provision  boats,  which 
were  descending  the  Coosa. 

On  the  22d  of  January,  the  day  ot  the  battle  of 
Emuckfaw,  General  Coifee,  as  has  been  already 
stated,  had  been  detached  to  destroy  the  Indian 
encampment  on  the  Tallapoosa:  having  recon- 
noitred their  position,  and  believing  them  toe 
strongly  posted  to  be  advantageously  assailed  by 
the  force  which  he  then  commanded,  he  had  re- 
tired without  making  the  attempt.  Tlie  position 
they  had  chosen  was  at  a  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa, 
called  by  the  Indians  Tohopeka,  which,  interpreted 
into  our  language,  means  Horse-Shoe,  not  far  from 
New  Youcka,  and  near  the  Oakfusky  villages. 
Fortified  by  nature  and  the  skill  of  the  savages, 
no  other  conjecture  was  entertained,  than  that  at  this 
place  was  intended  a  defence  of  the  most  deter- 
mined kind.  Learning  that  the  Indians  were  btilJ 
imbodled  here,  Jackson  resolved  to  make  a  descent 

«  Fort  VViliuuM. 


118  LIFE    or    eENERAL    JACKSOIT. 

on  it,  and  destroy  ♦he  confederacy;  thence,  leturn 
ing  to  Fort  Williams  for  provisions,  to  urge  forward 
to  the  Hickory  Ground,  where  he  hoped  be  should 
oe  able  finally  to  terminate  the  war. 

On  the  24th,  leaving  a  sufficient  force  under 
Brigadier-General  Johnston  for  the  protection  of 
ihe  post,  with  eight  days'  provisions,  he  left  Fort 
Williams  for  the  Tallapoosa,  by  the  way  of  Emuck- 
faw.  The  whole  force  now  with  him  amounted 
to  less  than  three  thousand  effective  men ;  being 
considerably  reduced  by  the  necessity  of  leaving 
behind  him  detachments  for  garrisons  at  the  differ- 
ent forts.  At  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
27th,  after  a  march  of  fifty-two  miles,  he  reached 
the  village  Tohopeka.  The  enemy,  having  gained 
intelligence  of  his  approach,  Jiad  collected  in  con- 
siderable numbers,  with  a  view  to  give  him  battle. 
The  warriors  from  the  adjacent  towns,  Oakfnsky, 
Hillabee,  Eufalee,  and  Wew  Youcka,  amounting  to 
a  thousand  or  twelve  hundred,  were  here  collected, 
and  waiting  his  approach.  They  could  have  select- 
ed no  place  better  calculated  for  defence  ;  for,  in- 
dependent of  the  advantages  bestowed  on  it  by 
nature,  their  own  exertions  had  greatly  contributed 
to  its  strength.  Surrounded  almost  entirely  by  the 
river,  it  was  accessible  only  by  a  narrow  neck  of 
land,  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  yards  width,  which 
they  had  taken  much  pains  to  secure,  by  placing 
large  timbers  and  trunks  of  trees  horizontally  on 
each  other,  leaving  but  a  single  place  of  entrance 
From  a  double  row  of  port-holes  formed  in  it,  they 
were  enabled  to  give  complete  direction  to  their 
^re,  whilst  they  lay  in  perfect  security  behind. 

General  Coffee,  at  the  head  of  the  mounted  in- 
{ontry  and  fiiendly  Indians,  had  beeu  despatcb'sd 


UtA   Of   OSNiiiiAL   iACK.»€i«.  119 

•arljr  in  the  morning  from  camp,  with  orderi  to 
gain  the  southern  bank  of  the  river,  encircle  the 
bend,  and  make  some  feint,  or  mauceuvring,  to 
klivert  the  enemy  from  the  point  where  the  attack 
was  intended  principally  to  be  waged.  He  was 
particularly  instructed  so  to  arrange  the  force  under 
^is  command,  that  the  savages  might  not  escape  by 
passing  to  the  opposite  side  in  their  canoes,  with 
ivhich,  it  was  represented,  the  whole  shore  was 
iined.  Jackson,  with  the  rest  of  the  army,  pro- 
Deeded  to  take  a  position  in  front  of  the  breast- 
work. Having  planted  his  cannon  on  an  eminence, 
about  two  hundred  yards  from  the  front  of  the 
enemy's  line,  vdth  a  view  to  break  down  hia 
defence,  a  brisk  fire  commenced.  The  musketry 
and  rifles,  which  occupied  a  nearer  position,  were 
used  as  the  Indians  occasionally  showed  themselvea 
from  behind  their  works.  The  artillery  was  well 
served  by  Major  Bradford,  and  the  fire  kept  up  foi 
some  minutes  without  making  any  impression  ;  time, 
however,  was  gained  for  complete  readiness.  The 
signals  having  now  announced  that  General  Cofieo 
had  reached  in  safety  his  point  of  destination,  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  had  formed  his  line, 
and  was  ready  to  act,  the  order  was  given  to 
charge.  "  Never  were  troops  more  eager  to  be 
led  on  than  were  both  regulars  and  militia.  They 
had  been  waiting  wiui  impatience  for  the  order, 
and  hailed  it  with  acclamations.  The  spirit  that 
animated  them  was  a  sure  augury  of  the  success 
chat  was  to  follow."  Between  them  there  was  no 
difference  ;  both  advanced  with  the  intrepidity  and 
fimmess  of  veteran  soldiers.  The  thirty-ninth 
regiment,  led  on  by  their  commandei.  Colonel  Wil- 
liami,  uul  the  brave  but  ill-fated  Major  Moutjj^omery 


120  LIFE    OP   UBNERAL  iACRSON. 

tnd  the  militia  under  the  command  of  Colonft. 
Bunch,  moved  forward  amidst  a  destructive  fire 
that  continually  poured  upon  them,  and  were  pres- 
ently at  the  rampart.  Here  an  obstinate  and 
ilestructive  conflict  ensued,  each  contending  fo; 
the  port-holes,  on  different  sides.  Many  of  the 
enemy's  balls  were  welded  between  the  muskets 
and  bayonets  of  our  soldiers.  At  this  moment, 
Major  Montgomery,  leaping  on  the  wall,  called  to 
his  men  to  mount  and  follow  him ;  he  had  scarcely 
spoken,  when,  shot  through  the  head,  he  fell  lifeless 
to  the  ground.  Our  troops  eagerly  followed  the 
example  he  had  set,  and  scaled  their  ramparts. 
Finding  it  no  longer  tenable,  the  savages  aban- 
doned their  position,  and,  retiring  from  their  works, 
concealed  themselves  amidst  the  brush  and  timber 
that  lay  thickly  scattered  over  the  peninflula, 
whence  they  kept  up  a  galling  fire,  until  they  were 
again  forced  back.  Driven  to  despair,  not  knowing 
whither  to  flee,  and  resolving  not  to  surrender, 
they  saw  no  other  alternative,  than  an  effort  to 
effect  their  escape,  by  passing  in  their  canoes  to 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  river ;  from  this  they  were, 
however,  prevented,  by  perceiving  that  a  part  of 
the  army  already  lined  the  opposite  shore.  Under 
these  circumstances,  the  remaining  warriors,  who 
yet  survived  the  severity  of  the  -onflict,  betaking 
theraseivcs  to  flight,  leapeo  uown  the  banks,  and 
concealed  themselves  along  the  cliffs  and  steeps, 
which  were  covered  by  the  trees.  Many  had  betaken 
themaelves  to  the  west  angle  of  their  line  of  de- 
fence, where,  under  protection  of  heaps  of  brush, 
a  spirited  fire  was  kept  up  upon  those  of  our  troops 
who  had  gained  their  line,  and  those  who  were 
•irtJiciiig  on  the  outer  side.     From  these  secreted 


LIFB   OF   QENERAL    JACKSON.  121 

places  they  would   fire   and   disappear.     General 
Jackson,  perceiving  that   further   resistance  must 
involve  them  in  utter  destruction,  and  entertaining 
a  desire  that  they  should  yield  a  contest  which  now 
evidently  was  a  hopeless  one,  ordered  the  interpre- 
ter to  advance  with  a  flag,  under  cover  of  aorae 
trees  which  stood  in  front,  until  he  should  reach  a 
position  sufficiently  near  to  be  heard.     He  did  so, 
and,  having  arrived  within  forty  yards  of  the  spot 
where  the  Indians  were  concealed,  in  an  audible 
voice,  and  in  their  own  language,  addressed  them ; 
told  them  of  the  folly  of  further  resistance,  and 
that  he  was  commanded  by  General  Jackson  to  say, 
that,  if  disposed  to  surrender,  they  should  be  re- 
ceived  and   treated   as   prisoners.     They   waited 
patiently  until  he  had  finished,  and  heard  what  he 
had  to  say ; — a  pause  ensued ;  and,  at  the  moment 
when  he  was  expecting  to  receive  an  answer,  and 
to  learn  that  a  surrender  would  be  at  once  made,  a 
fire  was  opened  upon  the  flag,  and  the  interpreter 
severely   wounded   in  the   breast.     Finding  they 
would  not  yield,  orders  were  given  to  dislodge  them. 
To  accomplish  this,  the  artillery  was  Srst  turned 
against  them ;  but,  being  from  its  size  incapable  of 
producing  any  effect,  a  charge  was  made,  in  which 
several  valuable  lives  were  lost ;  il  however  suc- 
ceeded, and  the  enemy  were  dislodged  from  their 
covert  place  on  the  right  angle  of  their  line  of 
defence.     Lighted  torches  were  now  thrown  down 
the  Sleeps,  which,  communicating  with  the  brush 
and  trees,  and  setting  them  on  fire,  drove  them 
from  theit  hiding-places.     Still  did  they  refuse  to 
surrender,  and  still  maintained  the  conflict     Thus 
the  carnage  continued  imtil  night  separated  the 
combatants,  when  the  few  misguided  savages,  who 


1st  UFI   OP  OKNEIIAL  JACKSOM. 

had  avoided  the  havoc  and  slaughter  of  the  day, 
were  enabled,  through  the  darkness  of  the  nigl^ 
to  make  their  escape. 

Whilst  the  attack  was  thus  waged  in  front  of 
the  line,  the  friendly  Indians  in  General  Coffee's 
detachment,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Mor- 
gan, with  Captain  Russell's  company  of  spies,  were 
effecting  much ;  and,  no  doubt,  to  the  course  pur- 
sued by  them,  on  the  opposite  side,  was  greatly 
owing  the  facility  with  which  the  breast-work  was 
scaled,  and  its  possession  obtained.  The  village 
stood  on  the  margin  of  the  river,  and  on  that  part 
of  the  peninsula  most  remote  from  the  fortification. 
At  the  hne  were  all  their  warriors  collected.  Seve 
ral  of  the  Cherokees  and  Russell's  spies  having 
swum  across,  unobserved,  and  procured  their  ca 
noes,  a  considerable  number  passed  over,  entered 
the  town,  and  fired  it  No  sooner  was  this  dis- 
covered, than  their  attention  was  divided,  and  drawn 
to  the  protection  of  a  point  where  they  had  not  ap 
prehended  an  attack.  Thus  assailed  from  an  un- 
expected quarter — a  force  in  their  rear,  and  another^ 
still  stronger,  advancing  on  their  front— the  invading 
army  was  afforded  a  much  easier  and  less  hazardous 
opportunity  of  succeeding  in  the  assault  and  secur- 
ing the  victory. 

This  battle  gave  a  death-blow  to  their  hopes ;  nor 
did  they  venture,  afterwards,  to  make  a  stand. 
From  their  fastness  in  the  woods  they  had  tried 
their  strength,  agreeably  to  their  accustomed  mode 
of  warfare  ;  in  ambuscade,  had  brought  on  the  at- 
tack ;  and,  in  all,  failure  and  disaster  had  been  me*. 
None  ot  the  advantages  incident  on  surprise,  and 
for  which  the  red  men  of  our  forests  have  been 
always  so  characterized,  had  they  been  able  to  ob- 


kOn  of  WIIJIBAL  lACKSON.  lit 

tain.  The  continual  defeats  they  had  received 
were,  doubtless,  the  reason  of  their  having  so 
strongly  fortified  this  place,  where  they  had  deter- 
mined to  perish  or  to  be  victorious.  Few  escaped 
the  carnage.  Of  the  killed,  many  by  their  friends 
were  thrown  into  the  river,  whilst  the  battle  raged ; 
many,  in  endeavouring  to  pass  it,  were  sunk  by 
the  steady  fire  of  CoflTee's  brigade ;  and  five  hun- 
dred and  fifty-seven  were  left  dead  on  the  ground. 
Among  the  number  of  the  slain  were  three  ol 
Jieir  prophets.  Decorated  in  a  most  fantastic  man- 
ner— the  plumage  of  various  birds  about  their  heads 
and  shoulders — with  savage  grimaces,  and  horrid 
contortions  of  the  body,  they  danced  and  howled 
their  cantations  to  the  sun.  Their  dependants  al- 
ready believed  a  communion  with  Heaven  sure^ 
which,  moved  by  entreaty,  and  their  offered  homage; 
would  aid  them  in  the  conflict,  and  give  a  triumph 
to  their  arms.  Fear  had  no  influence  ;  and  when 
they  beheld  our  army  approaching,  and  already 
scaling  their  line  of  defence,  even  then,  far 
from  being  dispirited,  hope  survived,  and  victory 
>vas  still  anticipated.  Monohoe,  one  of  the  most 
considerable  of  their  inspired  ones,  and  who  had 
cheered  and  kept  alive  the  broken  spirit  of  the  na- 
tion by  his  pretended  divinations,  fell,  mortally 
wounded,  by  a  cannon  shot  in  the  mouth,  while  ear- 
nestly engaged  in  his  incantations. 

Three  hundred  prisoners  were  taken,  most  of 
whom  were  women  and  children.  That  so  few 
warriors  should  have  sought  and  obtained  safety,  by 
appealing  to  the  clemency  of  the  victors,  to  persons 
acquainted  with  the  mode  of  Indian  warfare,  wUl 
not  appear  a  matter  of  surprise.  It  seldom  happens 
that  ihey  extend  or  solicit  quarter:  faithless  them- 


If 4  UFB   OP  GINERAL  JACKfON. 

•elves,  they  place  no  reliance  on  the  faith  of  others, 
and,  when  overcome  in  battle,  seek  no  other  pro- 
tection than  retreat  affords.  Anotlier  cauae  for  it 
may  be  found  in  a  reason  already  given  ;  the  attack, 
by  a  detachment  of  General  Cocke's  division,  an 
the  Hillabee  clans,  who  were  assailed  and  put  to  the 
8word,  at  a  moment  when,  having  asked  peace  at 
discretion,  they  were  expecting  it  to  be  given. 
This  misfortune  had  alone  been  occasioned  by  a 
wont  of  concert  in  the  divisions  of  our  army  ;  but 
It  was  past,  and  witli  it  was  gone,  on  the  part  of  the 
savages,  all  confidence  in  our  integrity  and  humani- 
ty ;  and  they  looked  and  trusted  for  safety  now  to 
nothing  but  their  own  bravery.  In  this  contest 
they  maintained  resistance,  fighting  and  firing  from 
their  covert  places,  long  after  the  hope  eiiher  of 
success  or  escape  was  at  an  end,  and  after  the  pro- 
posal had  been  submitted  to  spare  the  further  use- 
less waste  of  blood.  .  A  few,  who  had  lain  quiet, 
and  concealed  under  the  cliff's,  survived  the  severity 
of  the  conflict,  and  effected  their  retreat  under 
cover  of  the  night. 

Our  loss  was  small,  when  compared  with  that  of 
tne  enemy ;  the  whole  estimate,  including  the 
friendly  and  Cherokee  Indians,  was  but  fifty-five 
killed,  and  one  hundred  and  forty-six  wounded.  Of 
the  former  was  Major  Montgomery,  a  brave  and  en- 
terprising young  officer,  of  the  thirty-ninth  regi- 
ment, and  Lieutenants  Moulton  and  Somerville,  who 
fell  early  in  the  action. 

The  object  of  the  present  visit  being  answered 
the  general  concluded  to  return  to  Fort  Williams. 
Having  sunk  hie  dead  in  the  river,  to  prevent  theii 
being  scalped  by  the  savages,  and  made  the  neces- 
sary arrangements  for  carrying  off  his  wounded,  he 


LIPK    OF    (JENERAL    JACKSON.  125 

commonced  his  return  march  for  the  fort,  and  in  a 
few  days  reached  it  in  safety.* 

Understanding  that  the  enemy  was  imbodied,  in 
considerable  numbers,  at  Hoithlewalee,  a  town  situ- 
ated not  far  from  the  Hickory  Ground,  he  was  anx- 
ious to  re-commence  his  operations  as  early  as 
possible,  that  the  advantages  he  had  gained,  and 
the  impression  he  had  made,  might  not  be  lost.  The 
forces  under  his  command,  from  sickness,  the  loss 
which  had  been  sustained  in  the  late  battle,  and 
numerous  discharges  given,  had  been  too  much  re- 
duced in  strength,  to  permit  him  to  act  as  efficiently 
as  the  importance  of  the  crisis  required.  It  was 
desirable,  therefore,  to  effect  a  junction  with  the 
southern  army  as  speedily  as  possible,  that,  from  an 
increase  and  concentration  of  his  numbers,  greater 
efficiency  might  be  had.  The  North  Carolina 
troops,  under  the  command  of  General  Graham,  an 
experienced  officer  of  the  revolutionary  war.  and 
those  of  Georgia,  under  Colonel  Milton,  were  as 
pertained  to  be  somewhere  south  of  the  Tallapoosa, 
and  could  be  at  no  great  distance.  To  unite  with 
them  was  an  event  greatly  desired.  He  had  re 
ceived  from  General  PinckneT  strong  assurances 
.hat  all  complaints  would  be  at  an  end,  as  soon  as  his 
and  the  southern  division  could  unite.  No  time  was 
to  be  lost  in  effecting  a  purpose  so  essential.  Gene- 
ral Jackson  accordingly  determined  to  leave  his  sick 
and  wounded,  and  the  fort,  to  the  care  and  com- 
mand of  Brigadier  Johnston,  and  to  set  out  again 

*  Sinking  them  in  the  river,  in  preference  to  burying  them, 
ftfas  adoptea  from  the  consideration,  that  these  of  our  troops,  who 
lad  previously  fallen,  had  been  raised,  stripped,  and  scalped, 
Vlany  of  the  Indians  at  Tohopeka  were  found  in  the  cloinM  c/ 
hose  who  bad  been  killed  and  oi  "ied  at  Emuckfa'v. 


196  LIPB    OP   GENERAL  JACKSON 

for  the  Tallapoosa.  On  the  7th,  with  all  his  dispo- 
sable force,  he  commenced  his  march,  with  the 
double  view  of  effecting  a  union  with  the  army  be- 
low, and  of  attacking  on  his  route  the  enemy's 
force  which  were  collected  at  Hoithlewalee.  His 
greatest  difficulty  was  in  conveying  to  Colonel  Mil- 
ton intelligence  of  his  intended  operations.  The 
friendly  Indians,  who,  from  their  knowledge  of  the 
country,  had  been  always  selected  as  expresses. 
were  with  difficulty  to  be  prevailed  on  now  for  any 
such  undertaking.  Believing  their  nation  to  be 
imbodied  in  larger  numbers  than  any  which  had 
been  yet  encountered,  and  that,  confiding  in  their 
strength,  they  would  be  better  enabled  to  go  forth, 
searching  and  spying  through  the  surrounding 
country,  they  at  once  concluded  that  any  enterprise 
of  this  kind  would  be  attended  with  too  great  peril 
and  danger,  and  the  (difficulty  of  eluding  observa- 
tion too  much  increased,  for  thera  to  adventure. 
This  circumstance  prevented  the  arrangement  of 
such  measures  as  were  best  calculated  to  bring  tho 
different  divisions  to  act  in  general  concert.  The 
necessity,  however,  of  such  co-operation,  was  too 
important,  at  this  moment,  not  to  be  effected,  if  it 
were  possible. 

Having  at  length  succeeded  in  procuring  confi- 
dential messengers,  Jackson  addressed  Colonel  Mil- 
ton, and  advised  him  of  liis  intended  movement. 
To  guard  against  any  acciuent  or  failure  that  might 
happen,  different  expresses  were  despatched,  by 
different  routes.  He  informed  him,  that,  with  eight 
days'  provisions,  and  a  force  of  about  two  thousand 
men,  he  should,  on  the  7th,  take  up  the  line  of  march, 
and  proceed  directly  for  Hoithlewalee ;  which  he  ex- 
pected certainly  to  reach  and  attack  on  the  11th 


UFB   OF   flENERAL   JACKSON  197 

The  point  of  destination,  owing  to  the  rain,  he 
wras  not  able  to  reach  until  the  13th.  This  delay, 
unavoidable,  gave  the  Indians  an  opportunity  of 
fleeing  from  the  threatened  danger.  On  arriving 
at  an  inconsiderable  stream  which  skirted  the  town, 
it  was  so  swollen  as  to  be  rendered  impassable 
The  savages,  gaining  intelligence  of  an  appicach 
that  waa  thus  unavoidably  retarded,  were  enabled 
to  effect  an  escape  by  passing  the  river  in  theii 
canoes,  and  gaining  the  opposite  shore.  Had  Col- 
onel MUton  fortunately  made  a  different  disposition 
of  the  troops  under  his  command,  and,  by  guarding 
the  southern  bank  of  the  river,  co-operated  with 
the  Tennessee  division,  their  escape  would  have 
been  prevented,  and  the  whole  force,  collected, 
would  either  have  been  destroyed  or  made  prison- 
ers. Although  Jackson,  in  his  letter  of  the  5th, 
6ad  given  intelligence  that  he  would  reach  the 
enemy  on  the  11th ;  and,  when  prevented  by  high 
waters  and  rotten  roads,  had  again  notified  him 
that  he  would  certainly  arrive  and  commence  the 
attack  by  the  morning  of  the  13th,  and  urged  him 
to  guard  the  south  bank  of  the  Tallapoosa,  still 
was  the  request  disregarded,  and  the  savages  per- 
mitted to  escape.  Learning  they  were  abandoning 
their  position,  and  seeking  safety  in  flight,  Jackson 
filed  to  the  right,  and,  overtaking  the  rear  of  the 
fugitives,  succeeded  in  making  twenty-five  prison- 
ers. At  this  time,  nothing  was  heard  of  Colone^ 
Milton ;  but  on  the  same  day,  having  marched  about 
five  miles  from  his  encampment  at  Fort  Decatur, 
and  approached  within  four  of  Iloithlewalee,  he, 
the  next  morning,  gave  notice  of  an  intention  to 
attack  the  village  that  day ;  at  this  moment  the  in 
habitants  and  warriors  had  fl«d  and  the  town  was 
11* 


128  LIPE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

)ccupied  and  partly  destroyed  by  a  detachment 
rroin  Jackson's  anny,  that  had  succeeded  in  paasing 
the  creek. 

The  Georgia  army  being  so  near  at  hand,  was  a 
-ource  of  some  satisfaction,  although  the  escape  of 
the  enemy  had  rendered  their  presence  of  less  im- 
portance than  it  otherwise  would  have  been.  The 
stock  of  provisions,  with  which  the  march  had  beczi 
:;ommenced  from  Fort  Williams,  was  now  nearly 
exhausted.  Assurances,  however,  having  been  st 
repeatedly  given,  that  abundant  supplies  would  bt 
had  on  uniting  with  the  southern  army,  all  uneasi 
ness  upon  the  subject  was  at  once  dispelled.  Col 
onel  Milton  was  immediately  applied  to,  the  situa 
tion  of  the  array  disclosed,  and  such  aid  as  he  coulo 
extend  solicited.  He  returned  an  answer  to  the 
general's  demand,  observing,  he  had  sent  provisions 
for  the  friendly  Indians,  and  would,  the  next  day, 
lend  some  for  the  remainder  of  the  troops ;  but  felt 
himself  under  no  obligation  to  furnish  any.  Jack- 
son, satisfied  of  its  being  in  his  power  to  relieve 
him,  and  that  this  apparent  unwillingness  did  not, 
and  could  not,  proceed  from  any  scarcity  in  his 
camp,  assumed  a  higher  ground,  and,  instead  of  ask- 
ing assistance,  now  demanded  it.  He  stated  that 
his  men  were  destitute  of  supplies,  and  that  he  had 
been  apprized  of  it ;  and  concluded  by  ordering 
not  requesting,  him  to  send  five  thousand  rations 
immediately,  for  present  relief;  and  for  himself  and 
tlie  forces  under  his  command  to  join  him  at  Hoith- 
lewalee  by  ten  o'clock  the  next  day.  "  This  order," 
he  remarked,  "must  be  obeyed  without  hesitation." 
-  -It  waa  obeyed.  The  next  iay,  a  junction  having 
been  effected,  the  necessary  steps  were  taken  tc 


UFl  OP  GENBRit  /ACKSON.       IW 

biing  down  the  provisions  depoflited  at  Port  Deca- 
tur, and,  for  the  first  tiroe  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Creek  war,  -accnvemences  for  the 
want  of  supplies,  and  an  apprehension  of  suffering, 
were  removed.  u  v  e 

Appearances  seemed  now  to  warrant  the  behet, 
that  the  war  would  not  be  of  much  longer  continu- 
ance ;  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Hickory  Ground 
tribes  were  coming  in,  making  professions  of  friend- 
ship, and  giving  assurances  of  their  being  no  longer 
disposed  to  continue  hostilities.     The  general  had 
been  met,  on  his  late  march,  by  a  flag  from  these 
clans,  giving  information  of  their  disposition  to  be 
at  peace.     In  return  they  received  this  answer : — 
that  those  of  the  war  party,  who  were  desirous  of 
putting   an  end  to  the  contest,  and  of  becoming 
friendfy,  should  evince  their  intention  by  retiring 
m  the  rear  of  the  army,  and  settling  themselves  to 
the  north  of  Fort  Williams ;  that  no  other  proof 
than  this,  of  their  pacific  dispositions,  would  be  re- 
ceived.   Fourteen  chiefs  of  these  tribes  had  arrived, 
to  furnish  still  further  evidence  of  their  desire  for 
peace.     They  assured  the  general  that  their  old 
king,  Pous-hatchee,  was  anxious  to  be  permitted  to 
visit  him  in  person,  and  was  then  on  his  way,  with 
his  followers,  to  settle  above  Fort  Williams,  agree- 
ably to  the  information  he  had  received  by  the  flag 
which  had  lately  returned  to  him. 

Detachments  were  scouring  the  country  to  the 
south,  with  orders  to  break  up  any  coUecUon  of  the 
enemy  that  might  be  heard  of  in  convement  dis- 
tance. The  main  body  was  prepared  to  advance  to 
the  junction  of  the  two  nvers,  where,  until  now,  it 
hid  been  expected  the  Indiana  would  make  m  laA 


180  Lire  or  «en£ral  jackson 

and  desperate  stand  *  Every  thing  was  in  readi- 
ness to  proceed  on  the  march,  when  it  was  an 
nounced  to  the  geneial,  that  Colonel  Milton's  brig- 
ade, which  had  lately  united  with  him,  was  not  in 
a  situation  to  move.  During  the  previous  night 
some  of  his  wagon  horses  having  strayed  off,  per- 
sons had  been  sent  in  pursuit,  and  were  expected 
shortly  to  return  with  them ;  when,  it  was  reported, 
he  would  be  ready  to  take  up  the  line  of  marcli. 
To  Jackson,  this  was  a  reason  for  delaying  the  ope- 
rations of  an  army,  which  as  yet  he  had  never 
learned,  and  by  which  he  had  never  been  influenced. 
He  had,  indeed,  been  frequently  made  to  halt, 
though  from  very  different  causes ;  from  murmurs, 
discontents  and  starvation  in  his  camp.  He  replied 
to  the  colonel's  want  of  preparation,  by  telling  him, 
that,  in  the  progress  of  his  own  difficulties,  he  had 
discovered  a  very  excellent  mode  of  expediting 
wagons,  even  without  horses  ;  and  that,  if  he  would 
detail  him  twenty  mtfn  from  his  brigade,  for  every 
wagon  deficient  in  horses,  he  would  guaranty  their 
safe  arrival  at  their  place  of  destination.  Rather 
than  subject  his  men  to  such  drudgery,  he  preferred 
to  dismount  some  of  his  dragoons,  and  thus  avoided 
the  necessity  of  halting  the  army  until  his  lost 
teams  should  arrive. 

The  army  continued  its  march  without  gaining 


•  The  Hickory  Ground,  or  that  part  of  the  Creek  nation  Ijnng 
m  the  forks,  near  where  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa  unite,  was 
called  by  the  ludiajis  Holy  Ground,  from  a  ti'adition  and  belief 

firevaihng  among  them,  tnat  it  never  had  been  pressed  by  the 
bot  of  a  white  man.  Acting  under  the  influence  of  their'  pro- 
phets, and  a  religious  fanaticism,  it  was  supposed  they  would 
taakc  greater  exertic^os  to  defend  this  than  any  other  prrtion  o< 
uieir  country 


LIFS    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  ISl 

intelligence  of  any  imbodied  forces  of  the  enemy  ; 
and,  without  the  happening  of  any  thing  of  im- 
portance, reached  old  Toulossee  Fort,  on  the  Coosn 
river,  not  far  from  the  confluence,  at  which  another 
was  determined  to  be  erected,  to  be  called  Fort 
Jackson,  after  the  commanding  general.  Here  the 
rivers  approach  within  one  hundred  poles  of  each 
other,  and,  again  diverging,  unite  six  miles  below. 
At  this  place,  the  chiefs  of  the  different  tribes  were 
daily  arriving,  and  offering  to  submit  on  any  terms. 
They  all  concurred  in  their  statements,  that  those 
of  the  hostile  party,  who  were  still  opposed  to  ask- 
ing for  peace,  had  fled  from  the  nation,  and  sought 
refuge  along  the  coast  of  Florida,  and  in  Pensacola. 
General  Jackson  renewed  the  declaration,  that 
.hey  could  find  safety  in  no  other  way  than  by  re- 
oairing  to  the  section  of  the  country  pointed  out 
lo  them,  where  they  might  be  quiet  and  free  of  any 
sort  of  molestation. 

To  put  their  friendly  professions,  which  he  dis- 
trusted, at  once  to  the  test,  he  directed  them  to 
bring  Weatherford  to  his  camp,  confined,  that  he 
might  be  dealt  with  as  he  deserved.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  chiefs  of  the  nation,  and  had  been  a 
principal  actor  in  the  butchery  at  Fort  Mimms. 
Justice  well  demanded  retaliation  against  him. 
Learning  from  the  chiefs  what  had  been  required 
of  them  by  Jackson,  he  was  prevailed  upon,  as  per- 
haps the  safer  course,  to  proceed  to  his  camp,  and 
make  a  voluntary  surrender  of  himself.  Having 
reached  it  without  being  known,  and  obtained  ad 
mission  to  the  general's  quarters,  he  fearlessly  stood 
in  his  presence,  and  told  him  he  was  Weatherford, 
the  chief  who  had  commanded  at  Fort  Mimms.  and 
that,  desiring  peace  for  himself  and  for  his  peojkt 


1S9  LIFB   or  eiNKRAL    lACKSOH. 

he  had  come  to  aak  it.  Somewhat  surprised  that  one 
who  so  richly  merited  punishment  should  so  sternly 
demand  the  protection  which  had  been  extended  to 
others,  Jackson  replied  to  him,  that  he  was  astonish- 
ed he  should  venture  to  appear  in  his  presence ;  that 
he  waa  not  ignorant  of  his  having  been  at  Fort 
Mmmis,  nor  of  his  inhuman  conduct  there,  for  which 
he  well  deserved  to  die.  "  I  had  directed,"  con 
tinued  he,  "  that  you  should  be  brought  to  me  con 
fined ;  and  had  you  appeared  in  this  way,  I  should 
have  known  how  to  have  treated  you."  Weather- 
ford  replied,  "  I  am  m  your  power — do  with  me  as 
you  please.  I  am  a  soldier  ;  I  have  done  the  white 
people  all  the  harm  I  could ;  I  have  fought  them, 
and  fought  them  bravely ;  if  I  had  an  army,  I  would 
yet  fight,  and  contena  co  the  last :  but  I  have  none ; 
my  people  are  all  gone.  I  can  now  do  no  more 
than  weep  over  the  misfortunes  of  my  nation." 
Pleased  at  the  firm  and  high-toned  manner  of  this 
child  of  the  forest,  Jackson  informed  him,  that  he 
did  not  solicit  him  to  lay  down  his  arms,  or  to  be- 
come peaceable :  "  The  terms  on  which  your  natioD 
can  be  saved,  and  peace  restored,  have  already  been 
disclosed :  in  this  way,  and  none  other,  can  you 
obtain  safety."  If,  however,  he  desired  still  to 
continue  the  war,  and  felt  himself  prepared  to  meet 
the  consequences,  although  he  was  then  completely 
in  his  power,  no  advantage  should  be  taken  of  that 
circumstance ;  that  he  was  at  perfect  liberty  to  re- 
tire, and  unite  himself  with  the  war  party,  if  he 
nleased ;  but,  when  taken,  he  should  know  how  to 
-real  him,  for  then  his  life  should  pay  the  forfeit  of 
ma  crimee ;  if  this  were  not  desired,  he  might  ro 
where  he  was,  and  should  be  protectetl 


tlWm    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  188 

Nothing  dismayed,  Weatherford  answered,  that 
he  desired  peace,  that  his  nation  might,  in  some 
measure,  be  relieved  from  their  sufferings ;  that, 
independent  of  other  misfortunes,  growing  out  of  a 
state  of  war,  their  cattle  and  grain  were  all  wasted 
and  destroyed,  and  their  women  and  children  left 
destitute  of  provisions.  "  But,"  continued  he,  "  I 
ma;*  be  well  addressed  in  such  language  now. 
There  was  a  time  when  I  had  a  choice,  and  could 
have  answered  you :  I  have  none  now — even  hope 
has  ended.  Once  I  could  animate  my  warriors  tc 
battle ;  but  I  cannot  animate  the  dead.  My  war 
riors  can  no  longer  hear  my  voice :  their  bones  are 
at  Talladega,  Tallushatchee,  Emuckfaw,  and  To- 
hopeka.  I  have  not  surrendered  myself  thought- 
lessly. Whilst  there  were  chances  of  success, 
never  left  my  post,  nor  supplicated  peace.  But  my 
people  are  gone,  and  I  now  ask  it  for  my  nation, 
and  for  myself.  On  the  miseries  and  misfortunes 
brought  upon  my  country,  I  look  back  with  deepest 
sorrow,  and  wish  to  avert  still  greater  calamities. 
If  I  had  been  left  to  contend  with  the  Georgia 
army,  I  would  have  raised  my  corn  on  one  bank  of 
the  river,  and  fought  them  on  the  other ;  but  youi 
people  have  destroyed  my  nation.  You  are  a  brave 
nan:  I  rely  upon  your  generosity.  You  will  ex- 
tct  no  terms  of  a  conquered  people  but  such  as 
they  should  accede  to :  whatever  they  may  be,  it 
would  now  be  madness  and  folly  to  oppose.  If 
they  are  opposed,  you  shall  find  me  amongst  the 
sternest  enforcers  of  obedience.  Those  who  would 
still  hold  out  can  be  influenced  only  by  a  mean 
spirit  of  revenge ;  and  to  this  they  must  not,  and 
shal^  not,  sacrifice  the  last  remnant  of  their  country 
You  have  told  our  nation  where  we  might  go,  and 


IS4  Un   OP   aiNBRAL   JACKSON 

be  safb.    Thix  is  good  talk,  and  they  ought  to  liirtei 
to  it     They  shall  listen  to  it." 

The  bold  independence  of  his  conduct  left  no 
'^oubt  of  the  sincerity  of  his  professions,  and  fu^ 
confidence  was  reposed  in  his  declarations.  The 
peace  party  became  reconciled  to  him,  and  consent- 
ed to  bury  all  previous  animosities.  In  a  few  days 
afterwards,  having  obtained  pernussion,  he  set  out 
from  camp,  accompanied  by  a  small  party,  to  search 
through  the  forest  for  his  followers  and  friends,  and 
persuade  ihem  to  give  up  a  contest  in  which  hope 
seemed  to  be  at  an  end,  that,  by  timely  submission, 
they  might  save  their  nation  from  further  disasters 

The  present  was  a  fkvourable  moment  for  pre 
venting  all  ftirther  opposition.     The  enemy,  alarm 
ed,  were  dispersed,  and  fleeing  in  different  direc 
lions.     To  keep  alive  their  apprenensions,  and  pre 
vent  their  recovering , from  the  fears  with  whicl 
they  were  now  agitated,  was  of  the  utmost  impor 
tance.     If  time  were  given  them  to  form  fiirthe* 
resolutions,  some  plan  of  operation  might  be  con- 
certed ;  and,  although  it  might  not  be  productive  of 
any  alarming  consequences,  yet  it  might  have  a 
tendency  to  lengthen  out  the  war,  and  involve  those 
deluded  people  in  still  greater  wretchedness.     De- 
tachments, sufficiently  strong,  were  accordingly  or- 
dered out,  to  range  through  the  country,  prevent 
their  collecting  at  any  point,  and  to  scatter  and 
destroy  any  who  might  be  found  concerting  offen- 
sive  operations.      Wherever  they   directed   their 
course,  submission,  and  an  anxious  desire  for  peace, 
were  manifested  by  the  natives.     Those  who  were 
still  resolved  upon  a  continuance  of  the  war,  and 
trusted  for  relief  to  the  aid  which  by  their  British 
allies  waa  promised^  and  which  they  had  been  for 


Ufl  or  OBNIRAL   lACKSOM.  W 

•OHM  tHM  ezpectiiig,  had  retired  oat  of  tlit  eoantryi 
toward!  the  lea  coait,  not  doubting  but  the  aMist- 
ance  looked  for  would  shortly  arrive,  enable  them 
to  re-commence  hostilities  with  better  hope*  of  luc- 
cess,  and  regain  their  country,  which  they  now 
considered  as  lost     Many  of  the  chieft  and  war- 
riors, looking  to  the  defeats  they  had  continually 
met  with  in  all  their  battles,  viewing  it  as  imprac- 
ticable, with  any  expectation  of  better  fortune,  to 
"esist  the  numerous  forces  that  were  collecting,  and 
anxious  to  have  spared  to  them  a  portion  of  their 
country,  determined  to  discard  all  ideas  of  further 
resistance,  and  to  throw  themselves  for  safety  on  the 
mercy  of  their  conquerors.     To  this  end,  the  chief 
men,  from  the  different  tribes,  were  daUy  arrivmg, 
and  asking  for  peace,  on  condition  only  that  their 
lives  might  be  spared. 

General  Jackson  was  not  ignorant  of  the  faith- 
.essness  of  these  people,  and  how  little  confidence 
was  to  be  reposed  in  the  professions  of  an  enemy, 
who,  prompted  by  fear,  could  be  controlled  only  by  its 
influence.     He  well  knew  they  had  been  too  se- 
verely chastised  for  their  promises  to  be  relied  on, 
and  too  much  injured  not  to  feel  a  disposition  to 
renew  the  conflict  with  the   first   flattering  hope 
that  dawned.     Too  many  difficulties  had  been  en- 
countered, and  too  many  dangers  past,  in  bringing 
those  savages  to  a  sense  of  duty,  to  leave  them  now 
with   no  better  security   than    mere   professions. 
Some  arrangement  was  necessary  to  be  made  that 
should  ensure  certainty.     None  seemed  better  cal- 
culated fbr  these  ends,  than  what  had  been  alrmdy 
announced ;  that  those  disposed  to  throw  awiy  the 
war  club,  and  renew  their  friendly  relations  w  h 
the  United  States,  should  retire  ir  the  rear  of  uie 
12 


IM  LIFK    OF   GENERAL   JACKSUN. 

•^Tance  of  the  army,  and  occupy  the  country  about 
the  fort  he  had  established,  and  to  the  east  of  the 
Coosa.  The  effect  of  such  an  arrangement  he  cal- 
culated would  be  this :  that,  by  the  line  of  posts 
already  established,  he  would  be  able  to  cut  them 
off  from  any  communication  with  Florida;  while, 
by  being  placed  in  that  part  of  the  nation  inhabited 
by  the  friendly  Indians,  whose  fidelity  was  not 
doubted,  the  earliest  intelligence  would  be  had  of 
their  hostile  intentions,  should  any  be  manifested. 
The  conditions  proposed  were  most  cheerfully  ac- 
cepted ;  and  the  different  tribes  forthwith  sat  out  to 
occupy  a  portion  of  their  country,  which  alone 
seemed  to  promise  them  protection  and  safety 
Proctor,  the  chief  of  the  Owewoha  war  towns,  to 
whom  this  promised  security  from  danger  had  first 
been  made,  was  reported  to  be  still  at  home,  and  to 
have  abandoned  all  intention  of  removing,  in  con- 
sequence of  permission  extended  by  the  United 
States'  agent  to  the  Creeks,  for  him  and  his  war- 
riors to  remain  where  they  then  were  residing.  On 
receiving  this  information,  the  general  despatched 
a  messenger  with  information  to  him,  that  whethei 
he  or  the  agent  were  to  be  obeyed,  was  for  him  to 
decide ;  but  that  he  should  treat  as  enemies  all 
who  did  not  inunediately  retire  to  the  section  of 
country  which  he  had  pointed  out  The  chief  of 
Owewoha  found  no  difficulty  in  deciding  the  ques- 
tion, and  without  delay  prepared  to  retire  where  he 
hud  been  previously  ordered. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Gibson,  who  had  been  sent 
out  with  a  detachment  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  returned,  and  reported,  that  he  had  proceeded 
a  considerable  distance  down  the  Alabama  River, 
and  had  destroyed  several  towns  of  the  war  party, 


Uri   OF   GENERilli  JACK80N.  1S7 

mH  OMld  gmin  no  inteUigence  of  a  force  being  tn^ 
wbcfie  collected. 

By  the  establlBhinent  of  Fort  Jackson,  a  line  of 
poflta  was  now  fonued  from  Tennessee  and  fruirj 
Georgia  to  the  Alabama  River.  The  subdued 
spirit  of  the  Indians  clearly  manifesting  that  they 
were  sincere  in  their  desire  for  peace,  nothing 
remained  to  be  done  but  to  organize  the  different 
garrisons  in  such  a  manner,  that,  should  any  hostile 
mtention  be  hereafter  discovered,  it  might  be  sup- 
pressed. What  final  steps  should  be  taken,  and 
what  plans  adopted,  for  permanent  security,  were 
to  be  deferred  for  the  arrival  of  Major-General 
''inckney,  who,  being  in  the  neighbourhood,  would, 
it  was  expected,  oAthe  next  day  reach  Fort  Jack 
■on. 

On  the  20th  General  Pinckney  arrived,  and  as- 
sumed the  command  of  the  army.  The  course 
pursued  by  Jackson,  towards  satisfying  the  Indians, 
that  to  be  peaceable  was  all  tliat  was  required, 
meeting  his  approbation,  and  understanding  that 
the  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  nation  were  retiring 
with  their  families,  whither  they  had  been  directed 
he  was  satisfied  hostilities  must  cease.  Indepen- 
dent of  their  professions,  heretofbre,  much  of  the 
property  plundered  at  Fort  Mimms,  and  along  the 
frontiers,  having  been  brought  in,  no  doubt  was  en- 
tertained but  all  further  national  opposition  would 
oe  withdrawn.  There  being  no  necessity,  there- 
fore, for  maintaining  an  army  longer  in  the  field, 
orders  were  issued,  on  the  21st,  for  the  troops  from 
Tennessee  to  be  marched  home  and  discharged . 
taking  care,  on  the  route,  to  leave  a  sofiicient  force 
(or  garrisoning  the  posts  already  established. 

To  troops  who  had  been  engaged  in  fiieb  fil 


188  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

tiguing  marches,  who  had  been  so  often  exposed  to 
hardships,  and  who  had,  by  their  exertions  in  the 
cause  of  their  country,  brought  the  wtr  to  a  auc- 
cessful  termination,  and  severely  chastised  the  sav- 
ages, it  was  a  pleasure  to  retire  to  their  homes  from 
the  scenes  of  wretchedness  they  had  witnessed, 
and  from  a  contest  where  nothing  remained  to  be 
done. 

Whilst  these  arrangements  were  progressing, 
the  friendly  Creeks  were  engaged  in  destroying 
their  fugitive  countrymen,  with  the  most  unrelent- 
ing rigour.  To  have  been  at  the  destruction  of 
Fort  Mimms,  was  a  ground  of  accusation  against 
a  warrior,  which  at  once  placed  him  without  the 
pale  of  mercy.  They  affected  to  view  this  un- 
provoked offence  with  sentiments  of  deeper  invete- 
racy than  did  even  our  own  troops.  Meeting  a 
small  party  who  were  on  their  way  to  camp,  to  sub- 
mit themselves  on  the  terms  that  had  been  pre- 
viously offered,  and  understanding  they  had  ac- 
companied Weatherford  in  his  attack  on  this  fort, 
they  arrested  their  progress,  and  immediately  put 
them  to  death. 

In  two  hours  after  receiviiig  GeneraPs  Pinckney's 
order,  the  western  troops  commenced  their  return 
march,  and  reached  Fort  Williams  on  the  evening 
of  the  24th.  Immediate  measures  were  adopted 
for  carrying  into  effect  what  had  been  ordered  ;  to 
send  out  detachments  to  disperse  any  collection? 
of  the  war  party  that  might  be  found  on  the  route. 
and  within  striking  distance. 

The  East  Tennessee  troops,  having  a  longer  pe- 
riod to  seive,  were,  on  that  account,  selected  to 
garrison  tiie  different  posts.  General  Doherty 
<va8  directed  to  detail  from  his  brigade  seven  hun 


LUra   OF  GENBRAL    JACKSON.  189 

lifyd  and  twenty-five  men,  for  the  defence  of  those 
points,  with  a  view  to  an  open  communication  bemg 
preserved  with  Fort  Jacitson,  and  to  secure  more 
effectually  a  peace,  which  waa,  perhaps,  not  so  se- 
curely established  as  that  any  precautionary  meas- 
ure should  be  omitted. 

General  Jackson,  being  about  to  separate  from 
his  army,  did  not  omit  to  disclose  to  them  the  high 
sense  he  entertained  of  their  conduct,  and  how  well 
they  had  deserved  of  their  country.  «  Within  a  fe\^ 
days,"  said  he,  "  you  have  annihilated  the  power  of 
a  nation  that  for  twenty  years  haa  been  the  dis- 
turber of  your  peace." 

The  army  proceeded  on  its  march,  and,  crossmg 
Tennessee  River,  in  safety  reached  Camp  Blount. 
near  Payetteville,  where  they  were  discharged 
from  fiirther  service.  Johnston,  who  had  previously 
fallen  in,  had  destroyed  some  of  the  enemy's  towns 
but  had  learned  nothing  of  a  force  being  any  where 
imbodied  along  the  route  he  had  taken. 

On  parting  from  his  troops,  the  general  again 
brought  before  them  the  recollection  he  retained  of 
their  faithful  and  gallant  conduct,  and  the  patience 
with  which  they  had  borne  the  privations  and  hard- 
ships of  war.  On  his  return,  wherever  he  passed, 
the  plaudits  of  the  people  were  liberally  bestowed. 
The  ardent  and  extraordinary  zeal  he  had  mani- 
fested in  the  service  of  his  country,  the  difficulties 
ae  had  surmounted,  with  the  favourable  termination 
which,  by  his  exertions,  had  been  given  to  a  contest 
that  had  kept  alive  the  anxieties  and  fears  of  the 
frontier  settlers,  excited  a  general  feeling  of  grati- 
tude and  admiration:  all  were  ready  to  evince  the 
high  seneo  they  entertained  of  *he  succeiis  with 
which  every  effort  had  been  crowoed,  and  with  one 
12* 


140  Lin    OF   OBNB&AL    lACKSON 

accord  united  in  manifesting  their  confident  v 
respect  for  him,  who,  by  his  zealous  exertions,  Attle 
management,  and  fidelity  to  the  cause  in  which  he 
atd  embarked,  had  so  greatly  contributed  to  the 
safety,  the  happiness,  and  quiet  of  the  cointry 


Un  or  OBlfSBAL  JAOKtON.  *** 


CHAPTER  VI. 

jZ^^Ji,^^  In  'r/>7iTu>ssee.  to  raise  volunteers. — jacKson  itw   t"" 
ptomtorZTheTLessee  troops  to  advaru:e  to  h^s  as- 

sistance 

The  celerity  with  which  an  army  was  raiseJ, 
and  pushed  into  the  heart  of  the  enemy  s  country, 
saved  the  frontiers.     The  misfortunes  of  the  mis- 
guided  Indians  maybe  regretted    but  cannot  be 
Considered   as   unmerited.     Great  forbearance  had 
been  exercised  towards  them,  as  many  a  parent  can 
testify,  whose  heart  bleeds  at  the  remembrance  of 
a  child  that  fell  a  victim  to  their  sangumary  cruelty. 
Cold  Water,  on  the  Tennessee,  was  long  a  den  tor 
these  savages,  whence  the^  made  inroads,  and,  by 
Lir  inhuman  butcheries,  kept  the  frontier  mhabit- 
antl  in  perpetual  alarm.     A  descent  was  made  on 
toset/ement,  as  early  as  1787.  ff/.-f  ^^ - 
its  destruction.     For  causes  already  detailed   their 
towns  were  once  more,  in  the  winter  of  1813,  as- 
Bailed,  and  destroyed.  ,  «    .  ^  ^„ 

The  war  in  which  the  United  States  were  en< 
gaged  with  Great  Britain,  afforded  the  Indians 
as  they  believed,  a  safe  opportunity  again  to  satiate 
^eir  angry  passions.  In  addition  to  former  ani- 
mosities British  emissaries  had  been  among  then. 
To  excit;  tliem  to  opposition.  Arms  and  ammumtion 
from  Pensacola  having  been  liberaUy  furnished^ 
and  a  belief  strongly  inspired,  that  the  American. 


142  UWm   OP  eENERAL   JACKAON 

could  be  driven  off,  and  the  lands  poeseMed  by  then 
regained   by  the  Indians,  they  at  once   resolved 
upon  the  course  they  would  pursue.     The  dreadfii' 
and  cruel  assault  made  on  tlie  settlement  of  Tensaw 
was  the  first  intelligence  afforded  of  the  lengths  to 
•A'hich  they  had  determined  to  proceed.     The  in- 
security  of   the   frontiers  requiring   that   efficient 
measures  should   bo  taken   to  defend  them,  it  was 
high  time  for  the  government  to  abandon  the  course 
of  moderation  they  had  hitherto  practised  towards 
those  tribes.     The  legislature  of  Tennessee,  at  the 
period  of  this  murderous  assault,  being  in  session, 
with  a  promptitude  highly  honourable,  called  out  the 
forces  of  the  state,  without  giving  to  the  genera 
government  information  of  the  threatened  danger 
To  protect  an  extensive  country,  by  erecting  garri 
song,  and  relying  on  them  for  defence,  did  not  ap 
pear  to  Jackson  a  course  at  all  likely  to  assure  it* 
object.     Placed  m  command,  and  called  on  to  act 
he  determined,  with  the  troops  he  could  collect  07 
so  sudden  an  emergency,  to  carry  the  war  to  theii 
very  doors ;  and,  by  giving  them  employment  at 
home,  to  divert  them  from  their  plans,  and  force 
them  at  once  into  measures  of  defence.     Urging 
the  contractors,  therefore,  to  be  diligent  in  the  dis 
charge  of  their  duties,  and  to  for\vard  supplies  wit) 
all  possible  haste,  he  took  his  position  at  Fort  Stro- 
ther,  directly  in  the  enemy's  country.     The  battle 
of  Talladega,  which   shortly  afterwards  followed^ 
gave  a  severe  check  to  those  sanguine  hopes  they 
had  indulged,  induced  them  to  believe  they  were 
contending  with  a  different   kind  of  people  from 
what  they  had  expected,  and  should  have  convinced 
ihem,  too,  that  the  promised  safety,  offered  by  their 
prophets,  through  their  spells  and  incantations,  wat 
mere  Dooiense ;  yet  so  deluded  were  thev*  and  ao 


un  Of  dimiRAL  JACKSON.  !*• 

confidenUy  confiding  in  the  supernatural  pc  werB  of 
their  inipired  men,  that  they  were  ready  to  attribute 
a  want  of  success  to  circumstances  over  which 
their  prophets  could,  in  future,  claim  control. 
when  It  WM  discovered  that  the  prophets  themselves 
did  not  escape  that  fatality  which  attended  their 
wamors  in  battle,  they  began  to  think,  either  that 
they  had  never  been  commissioned,  or  that  the 
Great  Spirit,  for  some  unknown  cause,  had  with 
drawn  his  confidence.  - ,.,  u 

The  death  of  Monohoe,  at  the  batUe  of  Tohope- 
ka,  is  strongly  illustrative  of  the  infatuations  under 
which  these  deluded  and  ignorant  people  laboured. 
They  did  not  at  all  doubt,  but,  as  their  prophets 
had  told  them,  that,  having  been  spotted  of  their 
hunting-grounds,  they  were  again   to   re-occupy 
them  through  the  aid  of  a  new  people,  who  from 
beyond  the  great  waters  were  coming  to  assist  in 
their  recovery.     A  confidence  in  what  those  swth- 
sayers  disclosed  would,  also,  they  beUeved,  produce 
the  effect  of  protecting  and  guarding  them  from 
rounds  and  injury  when  engaged  m  battle.     Al 
those   marvellous   stories  were   confided  m ;   but 
when,  at  this  battle,  one  of  their  principal  prophets 
fell,  and  by  a  cannon  shot  received  m  the  mouth, 
they  adopted  the  opinion,  that  the  character  of  the 
wound  was  a  judgment  on  his  false  pretensions,  and 
forthwith  departed  from  those  visions  of  faith  which 
previously  they  had  entertained. 

The  uniform  and  umnterrupted  successes  obtain- 
ed over  them,  in  all  our  battles,  may  impress  the 
minds,  not  only  of  these,  but  of  the  Indians  gene- 
rally within  our  Irniits,  with  a  higher  reverence  for 
the  character  of  our  nation  than  they  have  hithert* 
4iipQied  to  entertain  •.  grive  protection  to  OUT 


144  Uri   OP   GENERAL   JACESOff. 

citiseBA,  and  enBure  that  secunty  to  the  govern 
ment,  which  the  mildness  it  has  practiBed,  and  the 
tribute  it  haa  constantly  given  them  for  their  peaces 
has,  heretofore,  never  been  able  to  efiect;  they 
will  tend  to  destroy  the  influence  held  over  tliem 
by  other  nations,  and  bring  them  to  a  conviction 
that  the  United  States  is  the  only  power  whose 
hostility  they  should  fear,  or  whose  friendship  they 
should  prize. 

It  was  now  eight  months  since  General  Jackson 
had  left  home,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the  Indian 
war ;  during  most  of  which  time  he  had  been  in  a 
situation  of  bodily  infirmity  that  would  have  direct- 
ed a  prudent  man  to  his  bed,  instead  of  advancing 
to  the  field.  During  this  period,  he  had  never  seen 
his  family,  or  been  absent  from  the  army,  except  to 
visit  the  posts  in  his  rear,  and  arrange  with  his  con- 
tractors some  certain  plan  to  guard  against  a  future 
failure  of  supplies.  His  health  was  still  delicate 
and  rendered  retirement  essential  to  its  restoration 
but  his  uniformly  successful  conduct,  and  the  es 
sential  advantages  he  had  produced,  had  brought 
him  too  conspicuously  before  the  public  for  any 
other  sentiment  to  be  indulged  than  that  he  should 
be  placed,  with  an  important  command,  in  the  ser- 
dce  of  the  United  States. 

The  resignation  of  General  Hampton  enabled  the 
government,  in  a  short  time,  to  afibrd  him  an  evi- 
dence of  the  respect  it  entertained  for  his  servi- 
ces and  character.  A  notice  of  his  appointment  as 
brigadier  and  brevet  major-general,  was  forwarded, 
on  the  22d  of  May,  from  the  war  department. 
General  Harrison  having,  about  this  time,  for 
•ome  cause,  become  dissatiBfied  with  the  conduct 
of  the  government  towards  him,  refused  to  be  long- 


UFB   or  eSNBRAL  JACKSON  14i 

er  coiwidered  one  of  her  military  actors  ;  to  ropplj 
this  vacancy,  a  commission  of  major-general  was 
forwarded  to  Jackson,  which  reached  him  the  day 
after  the  notification  of  his  first  appointment,  and 
before  he  had  been  enabled  to  return  an  answer 
whether  or  not  it  would  be  accepted.  The  impor- 
tant services  which  he  had  rendered,  added  to  the 
rank  which,  under  the  authority  of  his  state,  he 
had  held,  miglit  well  induce  a  doubt  whether  the 
appointment  first  conferred  was  at  all  complimen- 
tary, or  one  which,  in  justice  to  his  own  character, 
he  could  have  accepted.  Whatever  of  objection 
there  might  or  could  have  arisen,  on  this  subject, 
was  removed  by  the  subsequent  appointment  of 
major-general,  made  on  the  resignation  of  Harrison, 
and  which  was  accepted. 

The  contest  with  the  Indians  bemg  ended,  the 
first  object  of  the  government  was,  to  enter  intc 
some  definitive  arrangement,  which  should  deprive 
of  success  any  effort  that  might  hereafter  be  made 
by  other  powers,  to  enlist  those  savages  m  ,their 
wars.  None  was  so  well  calculated  to  answer  this 
end,  as  that  of  restricting  their  limits,  so  as  to  cut 
off  their  communication  with  British  and  Spanish 
agents  in  East  and  West  Florida. 

No  treaty  of  friendship  or  of  boundary  had  yet 
been  entered  into  by  the  government  with  the  In- 
dians: they  remained  a  conquered  people,  and 
within  the  limits,  and  subject  to  the  regulations  and 
restrictions,  which  had  been  prescribed  in  March, 
by  General  Jackson,  when  he  retired  from  their 
country.  He  was  now  called  upon  to  act  in  a  dif- 
ferent character,  and  to  negotiate  the  terms  upon 
which  an  amicable  understanding  should  be  restored 
between  the  United  States  and  these  conquered 


li$  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

Cndiani.  But  for  the  government  to  proceed  oi 
the  principles  of  reciprocal  treaty  stipulations,  waa. 
in  reference  to  the  expensive  war  imposed  on  them, 
and  the  unprovoked  manner  in  which  it  had  been 
begun,  not  to  be  expected.  Those  Indians  haa 
broken  without  cause  the  treaty  they  had  made, 
outraged  humanity,  and  murdered  our  ujioffending 
citizens.  Under  such  circumstances,  by  the  peace 
now  to  be  concluded,  to  negotiate  with,  and,  as  here- 
tofore, recognise  them  as  an  independent  and  sove 
reign  people,  comported  not  with  propriety,  nor 
'vas  demanded  by  any  of  the  ties  of  moral  duty. 
General  Jackson,  therefore,  was  directed  to  treat 
with  them  as  a  conquered  people,  and  to  prescribe, 
not  negotiate,  the  conditions  of  a  peace.  Colonel 
Hawkins,  who,  for  a  considerable  time  past,  had 
oeen  the  agent  to  this  nation,  was  also  associated 
m  the  mission.  With  the  western  people  the  ap- 
pointment was  not  acceptable,  and  much  solicitude 
was  felt  from  an  appre'hension  of  his  influence  and 
weight  of  character  amongst  the  Indians ;  and  a 
fear  that  his  partialities  and  sympathies  might  in- 
cline him  too  much  to  their  interest 

On  the  10th  of  July,  the  general,  with  a  smal] 
retinue,  reached  the  Alabama ;  and  on  the  10th  of 
August,  after  some  difficulty,  succeeded  in  procur- 
ing the  execution  of  a  treaty,  in  which  the  Indiana 
pledged  themselves  no  more  to  listen  to  foreign 
emissaries, — to  hold  no  communication  with  British 
or  Spanish  garrisons ;  guarantied  to  the  United 
States  the  right  of  erecting  military  posts  in  heir 
country,  and  a  free  navigation  of  all  their  ^atero. 
They  stipulated  also,  that  they  would  suffer  no  ag-3nt 
or  trader  to  pass  among  them,  or  hold  any  kind  of 
commerce  or  intercourse  with  their  nation,  oalt m 


tfrm  oy  ibnkiMi  iaouoii.  H7 

•pecially  deriving  /lis  authority  from  the  president 
of  the  United  States. 

The  stipulations  and  exactions  of  this  treaty  were 
in  confonnity  with  instructions  issued  from  the  de- 
partment of  war,  and  differs  in  expression  froir 
what  has  been  usually  contained  in  instruments  of 
a  similar  kind.  It  breathes  the  language  of  de- 
mand, not  of  contract  and  agreement;  and  hence 
hu3  General  Jackson  been  censured  for  the  manner 
after  which  the  negotiation  was  concluded.  The 
course,  however,  which  was  pursued,  is  readily  jus- 
tified by  the  expressions  of  the  order  under  whicli 
he  acted,  and  which  prevented  the  exercise  of  dis- 
cretion. General  Armstrong,  who  at  that  time  was 
in  the  cabinet,  and  spoke  the  sentiments  of  the 
president,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Jackson  on  the 
24th  of  March,  uses  the  following  remarks: — "It 
nas  occurred  to  me,  that  the  proposed  treaty  with 
the  Creeks  should  take  a  form  altogether  military, 
and  be  in  the  nature  of  a  capitulation ;  in  which 
case  the  whole  authority  of  making  and  conclud 
ing  the  terms  will  be  in  you  exclusively,  as  com- 
manding general."  Accompanying  this  were  in- 
structions formally  drawn  up,  and  which  were  to 
constitute  the  basis  on  v^hich  the  negotiation  was 
to  rest.* 


*  In  the  instnictions  which  issued  ftx)in  the  department  of  war, 
as  the  basis  on  which  this  treaty  was  to  be  concluded,  it  i«  en- 
joined bv  the  secretary'  to  exact, 

"  1st.  'An  indemnification  for  expenses  incurred  by  the  United 
States  in  prosecuting  the  war,  by  such  cession  of  land  aj  may 
be  deemed  an  equivaleni  for  said  expenses. 

"  2d.  A  stipulation  on  iheir  part,  that  they  will  ceas«  all  inter 
course  with  any  Spanish  port,  garrison  or  town5  and  that  they 
will  not  admit  amongst  them  any  agent  or  trader  who  does  no« 
ilerive  his  authority  or  license  from  the  United  Slates. 

"  3d.  An  acknowledgment  of  the  iiglii  of  die  United  Statei  M 

13 


148  LIFS    OF    GEiVERAI     JACKSON. 

To  BCttle  the  boundary,  defining  the  extent  o< 
ccrritory  to  be  secured  to  the  Creeks,  and  that  whicl 
they  would  be  required  to  surrender,  was  attended 
with  difficulty,  from  the  intrigues  of  the  Cherokee 
nation,  who  sought  to  obtain  such  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  their  lines  as  would  give  them  a  consider- 
able portion  of  country  never  attached  to  their 
claim.  The  Creeks  had  heretofore  permitted  this 
tribe  to  extend  its  settlements  as  low  down  the 
Coosa  as  the  mouth  of  Wills'  Creek.  It  was  insist- 
ed now,  in  private  council,  that,  as  they  were  about 
to  surrender  their  country  lying  on  the  Tennessee 
River,  they  should,  previously  to  signing  the  treaty, 
acknowledge  the  extension  of  the  Cherokee  boun- 
dary, which  would  secure  their  claim  against  thai 
of  the  United  States.  The  only  reply  obtained 
from  the  Creeks  was  in  truly  Indian  spirit,  that 
they  could  not  lie  by  admitting  what  did  not  in 
reality  exist. 

Sufficient  territory  was  acquired  on  the  south  to 
give  security  to  the  Mobile  settlements,  and  to  tlie 
western  borders  of  Georgia,  which  had  often  felt 
the  stroke  of  Indian  vengeance  and  cruelty  ;  while 
at  the  same  time  was  effected  the  important  purpose 
of  separating  them  from  the  Seminole  tribes,  and  our 
unfriendly  neighbours  in  Florida.  To  the  frontiers 
of  Tennessee  an  assurance  of  safety  was  given  by 
the  settlements    which  would  be  afforded  on  the 

jpen  roads  through  tlieir  territory,  and  also  to  estabhsh  suci. 
military  posts  and  trading  houses  as  may  be  deemed  necessary 
J ad  proper;  and 

"  4lh.  A  surrender  of  the  prophets,  and  other  instigators  of  tbe 
var,  to  be  heid  subject  to  the  order  of  the  president. 

"  You  are  authorized,  in  conjunction  with  (^olouel  Hawkins,  to 
.)pen  and  conclude  a  treaty  of  peace  with  the  hostile  Creeks  v 
»oon  as  ihfjv  "hsil  express  a  desire  to  put  an  end  to  the  war. 

"  J.  ARMSTROiVG 


LIFE    OP    UBNERAL   JACH.5sON. 


149 


lands  ertretchmg  along  the  Tennessee  River ;  whilst 
the  extent  of  the  cession,  west  of  the  Coosa,  woula 
effectually  cut  off  all  communication  with  the  Chick- 
asaws  and  Choctaws,  and  prevent,  in  future,  the 
passage  of  those  emissaries  from  the  north-western 
tribtts,  who,  during  the  present  war,  had  so  indus- 
triously fomented  the  discontents  of  the  Creeks, 
and  excited  them  to  hostility. 

Before  being  finally  acted  upon,  the  treaty  had 
been  fully  debated  in  council,  and  the  voice  of  the 
nation  pronounced  against  it.  Jackson  had  already 
submitted  the  views  of  his  government  and  now 
met  them  in  council,  to  learn  their  determination. 
He  was  answered  by  the  Big  Warrior,  a  friendly 
chief,  and  one  of  the  first  orators  of  the  nation, 
who  declared  the  reluct«nice  that  was  felt,  in  yield- 
ing to  the  demand,  fVom  a  conviction  of  the  conse- 
quences involved,  and  the  distresses  it  must  inevita 
bly  bring  upon  them.  The  firm  and  dignified  elo- 
quence of  this  untutored  orator  evinced  a  nerve 
and  force  of  expression,  that  might  not  have  passed 
unnoticed,  had  it  been  exhibited  before  a  more 
highly  polished  assembly:  the  conclusion  of  his 
speech  is  given,  for  the  satisfaction  of  such  as  can 
mark  the  bold  display  of  savage  genius,  and  admire 
it  when  discovered.  Having  unfolded  the  causes 
that  produced  the  war,  told  of  their  sufferings,  and 
admitted  that  they  had  been  preserved  alone  by  the 
army  which  had  hastened  to  their  assistance,  he 
urged,  that,  although  in  justice  it  might  be  required 
of  them  to  defray,  hy  a  transfer  of  a  portion  of 
their  country,  the  expenses  incurred,  yet  was  the 
demand  premature,  because  the  war  was  not  ended, 
Bor  the  war  party  conquered ;  tiiey  had  only  flcJ 
iiway,  ind  might  yet  return     He  portrafed  the 


160  liIPE    OF    OENKIIAL    JACKSOK. 

habita  of  the  Indians,  and  how  seriously  they  would 
be  affected  by  the  surrender  required  of  them,  and 
thus  concluded : 

"  The  president,  our  father,  advises  us  to  honesty 
and  fairness,  and  promises  that  justice  shall  be 
done:  I  hope  and  trust  it  will  be!  I  made  this  war, 
which  has  proved  so  fatal  to  my  country,  that  the 
treaty  entered  into  a  long^  time  ago,  with  father 
Washington,  might  not  be  broken.  To  his  friendly 
arm  I  hold  fast.  I  will  never  break  that  bright 
chain  of  friendship  we  made  together,  and  which 
bound  us  to  stand  to  the  United  States.  He  was  a 
father  to  the  Muscoga  people ;  and  not  only  to  them 
but  to  all  the  people  beneath  the  sun.  His  talk  I 
now  hold  in  my  hand.  There  sits  the  agent  he 
sent  among  us.  Never  heis  he  broken  the  treaty 
He  h£Ls  lived  with  us  a  long  time.  He  has  seen 
our  children  born,  who  now  have  children.  By  his 
direction  cloth  was  wove,  and  clothes  were  made, 
and  spread  through^  our  country  ;  Jut  the  Red 
Sticks  came,  and  destroyed  all, — we  have  none  now 
Hard  is  our  situation,  and  you  ought  to  consider  it. 
[  state  what  all  the  nation  knows :  nothing  will  1 
keep  secret. 

"  There  stands  the  Little  Warrior.  While  we 
were  seeking  to  give  satisfaction  for  the  murders 
that  had  been  committed,  he  proved  a  mischief- 
maker  ;  he  went  to  the  British  on  the  lakes  ;  he 
CBme  back,  and  brought  a  package  to  the  frontiers, 
which  increased  the  murders  here.  This  conduct 
has  already  made  the  war  party  to  suffer  greatly  ; 
but,  although  almost  destroyed,  they  will  not  yet 
open  their  eyes,  but  are  still  led  away  by  the 
British  at  Pensacola.  Not  so  with  us :  we  were 
rational,  and  bad  our  senses— we  jet  are  so      In 


IdWm   or  GKNERAL   JAC&»ON  151 

the  war  of  the  revolution,  our  father  beyond  the 
waters  encouraged  us  to  join  him,  and  we  did  so 
We  had  no  sense  then.  The  promises  he  made 
were  never  kept  We  were  young  and  foolish, 
and  fought  with  him.  The  British  can  no  more 
persuade  us  to  do  wrong:  they  have  deceived  us 
once,  and  can  deceive  us  no  more.  You  are  two 
great  people.  If  you  go  to  war,  we  will  have  no 
concern  in  it;  for  we  are  not  able  to  fight.  W< 
v^isli  to  be  at  peace  with  every  nation.  If  thej 
offer  me  arms,  I  will  say  to  them.  You  put  me  in 
dajiger,  to  war  against  a  people  born  in  our  own 
land.  They  shall  never  force  us  into  danger.  You 
shall  never  see  that  our  chiefs  are  boys  in  council 
who  will  be  forced  to  do  any  thing.  I  talk  thus, 
knowing  that  father  Washington  advised  us  never 
to  interfere  in  wars.  He  told  us  that  those  in 
peace  were  the  happiest  people.  He  told  us  that, 
if  an  enemy  attacked  him,  he  had  warriors  enough, 
and  did  not  wish  his  red  children  to  help  him.  If 
the  British  advise  us  to  any  thing,  I  will  tell  you — 
not  hide  it  from  you.  If  they  say  we  must  fight,  I 
will  tell  them.  No !" 

The  war  party  being  not  entirely  subdued,  was 
but  a  pretext  to  avoid  the  demands  which  were 
made ;  presuming  that,  if  the  council  could  break 
up,  without  any  thing  be.ng  definitely  done,  they 
might,  in  part,  or  perhaps  altogether,  avoid  what 
was  now  required  of  them ;  but  the  inflexibility  of 
the  person  with  whom  they  were  treating  evinced 
to  them,  that,  however  just  and  well  founded  might 
be  their  objections,  the  policy  under  which  he  acted 
was  too  clearly  defined,  for  any  abandonment  of  his 
demands  to  be  at  all  calculated  upon.  Shelocta, 
one  of  their  chiefs,  who  had  united  with  our  troo|n 
13* 


159  LIFE    or    eENERAL    JACKSOH. 

at  the  commencement  of  the  war ;  who  had  march 
ed  and  fought  with  them  in  all  their  battles  ;  and 
had  attached  to  himself  strongly  the  confidence  of 
tne  commanding  general,  now  addressed  him.  He 
told  him  of  the  regard  he  had  ever  felt  for  his 
white  brothers,  and  with  what  zeal  he  had  exerted 
himself  to  preserve  peace,  and  keep  in  friendship 
with  them  ;  when  his  efforts  had  failed,  he  haa 
.'aken  up  arms  against  his  own  country,  and  fought 
against  his  own  people ;  that  he  was  not  opposed  to 
yielding  the  lands  lying  on  the  Alabama,  which 
would  answer  the  purpose  of  cutting  off  any  inter- 
course with  the  Spaniards ;  but  the  country  west 
of  the  Coosa  he  wished  to  be  preserved  to  the  na- 
tion.* To  effect  this,  he  appealed  to  the  feelings 
of  Jackson  ;  told  him  of  the  dangers  they  had  pass- 
ed together  ;  and  of  his  faithfulness  to  him  in  the 
trying  scenes  through  which  they  had  gone. 

There  were,  indeed,  none  whose  voice  ought 
sooner  to  have  been,  heard  than  Shelocta's.  None 
had  rendered  greater  services,  and  none  had  been 
more  faithftil.  He  had  claims,  growing  out  of  his 
fidelity,  that  few  others  had :  but  his  wishes  were 
so  much  at  variance  with  what  Jackson  considered 
the  interest  of  his  country  required,  that  he  was 
answered  without  hesitation.  "  You  know,"  said 
he,  "  that  the  portion  of  country,  which  you  desire 
to  retain,  is  that  through  which  the  intruders  and 
mischief-makers  from  the  lakes  reached  you,  and 
urged  your  nation  to  those  acta  of  violence,  that 
have  involved  your  people  in  wretchedness,  and 
your  country  in  ruin.  Through  it  leads  the  path 
Tocumseh  trod,  when  he  came  to  visit  you :  that 

•  This  country  west  of  the  Coosa  now  forms  the  respecuUi 
of  Alabama,  admitted  into  the  Union  in  tlie  year  1819 


UWM    OF   QftKERAL  JACKSON  lH 

path  muBt  be  stopped.  Until  this  be  done,  yon? 
nation  cannot  expect  happiness,  nor  mine  security. 
I  have  already  told  you  the  reasons  foi  demanding 
it:  they  are  such  as  ought  not— cannot  be  departed 
from.  This  evening  must  determme  whether  or 
not  you  are  disposed  to  become  friendly.  By  re- 
jecting the  treaty  you  will  show  that  you  are  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States — enemies  even  to 
yourselves."  He  admitted  it  to  be  true,  that  the 
war  was  not  ended,  yet  that  this  was  an  additional 
reason  why  the  cession  should  be  made  ;  that  then 
a  line  would  be  drawn,  by  which  his  soldiers  would 
08  enabled  to  know  their  friends.  "When  our 
armies,"  continued  he,  "came  here,  the  hostile 
^arty  had  even  stripped  you  of  your  country :  we 
tetook  it,  and  now  offer  to  restore  it; — ^theirs  we 
propose  to  retain.  Those  who  are  disposed  to  give 
effect  to  the  treaty  will  sign  it  They  will  be 
within  our  territory ;  will  be  protected  and  fed : 
and  no  enemy  of  theirs,  or  ours,  shall  molest  them. 
Those  who  are  opposed  to  it  shall  have  permission 
to  retire  to  Pensacola.  Here  is  the  paper :  take  it, 
and  show  the  president  who  are  his  friends.  Con- 
sult, and  this  evening  let  me  know  who  will  assent 
to  it,  and  who  will  not.  I  do  not  wish,  nor  will  I 
attempt,  to  force  any  of  you — act  as  you  think 
proper.' 

They  proceeded  to  deliberate  and  re-examine 
the  course  they  should  pursue,  which  terminated  in 
their  assent  to  the  treaty,  and  the  extension  of  those 
advantages  that  had  been  insisted  on.* 

*  It  was  agreed  that  the  line  should  begin  where  the  Cberoke« 
•outhern  boundary  crossed  the  Coosa,  to  run  dovm  that  liver  to 
Woetum-ka,  or  the  Bic  Falls,  and  tiience  eastwardly  U>  Geoivia. 
East  and  north  of  this  line,  containing-  upwards  of  one  buac&ed 
Bad  fifty  thousand  square  miles,  remam^  to  tlM  ladiaaeL 


154  LIFE    OF    'iENERAL    JACKSON. 

In  the  progress  of  this  business  another  difBenl- 
ty  aroej :  the  council  insisted  that  there  should  be 
uwerted  in  the  treaty  a  reservation  of  certain  tracts 
of  land  ;  one  for  Colonel  Hawkins,  in  consideration 
of  his  fidelity  to  them  as  aa  agent ;  and  another  to 
Jackson,  because  of  the  gratitude  felt  towards  him 
for  his  exertions  in  their  favour  against  the  hostile 
Creeks.  To  this  the  general  objected.  It  was 
personal  as  it  regarded  himself,  and  he  was  unwil 
ling  to  appear  in  any  point  of  view,  where  suspicion 
could  attach,  that  he  had  availed  himself  of  his 
official  situation  to  obtam  personal  benefits ;  fully 
aware  that,  however  the  facts  might  be,  selfish  con- 
siderations would  be  imputed  as  an  inducement  to 
what  was  done.  He  refiised,  therefore,  to  have  it 
mserted ;  and  for  the  further  reason,  that  the  in- 
Bt ructions,  under  which  he  was  acting,  required  i 
lo  be  a  capitulation,  not  a  treaty.  The  next  morn- 
jQg,  however,  when  they  met  in  council  to  sign  the 
mstrument,  the  chie'fs  delivered  to  the  general  a 
paper,  expressing  a  wish,  and  disclosing  their  rea- 
sons, that  a  reservation  to  himself,  Colonel  Haw- 
kins, and  Mayfield,  who,  being  made  a  prisoner  in 
his  youth,  had  always  resided  in  the  nation,  might 
be  assented  to ;  and  requested  it  to  be  forwarde*' 
on  and  made  known  to  the  government  Jackson 
consented  to  do  so,  and  to  recommend  its  adoption  . 
but  that  the  reservation  they  had  thought  proper  to 
request,  if  assented  to,  he  would  accept  of  on  no 
3tlier  terms  than  that  their  father  the  president 
should  dispose  of  it,  and  apply  the  proceeds  to  those 
of  the  nation  on  whom  distress  and  poverty  had 
been  broughu  by  the  war.  Mr.  Madison  subse- 
quently brought  this  matter  to  the  consideration  of 
the  senate  of  the  United  States,  and,  in  rocom' 


UrU  OW  SBNBRAL   JACftlOll.  Ill 

mending  Ha  adoption,  highly  complimented  the  del- 
icacy with  which  the  proposition  had  been  met  by 
General  Jackson :  it  was,  however  never  acted  on 
and  assented  to  by  the  senate. 

Every  attention  had  been  given,  during  the  ne- 
gotiation, to  impress  on  the  minds  of  the  savages 
the  necessity  of  remaining  at  peace  and  in  friendship 
with  the  United  States  ;  for,  although  all  apprehen- 
sions of  their  acting  in  concert  as  a  nation  had  sub- 
sided, yet  it  was  important  to  leave  their  minds 
favourably  impressed,  lest  the  wandering  fugitives, 
scattered  in  considerable  numbers  towards  the  Es- 
cambia and  Pensacola,  might,  by  continuing  hostile, 
associate  with  them  others  of  their  countrymen,  at- 
tach themselves  to  the  British,  should  they  appear 
in  the  south,  aid  them  by  their  numbers,  and  pilok 
them  through  the  country. 

This  retreat  of  the  savages  in  East  Florida  hao 
been  always  looked  upon  as  a  place  whence  the 
United  States  might  apprehend  serious  difficulties. 
There  was  no  doubt  ^ut  that  the  British,  through 
this  channel,  with  the  aid  of  the  governor,  had  pro- 
tected the  Indians,  and  supplied  them  with  arms 
and  ammunition ;  nor  was  it  less  certain  but  that, 
through  the  art  and  address  practised  on  them,  they 
had  been  excited  to  the  outrages  which  had  been 
heretofore  committed.  It  was  an  idea  entertained 
by  Jackson,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Creek  war, 
that  the  proper  mode  of  procedure  would  be  to 
push  his  army  through  the  nation ;  gain  this  den, 
where  vegetated  so  many  evOs ;  and,  by  holding  it, 
effectually  cut  off  their  intercourse,  and  means  of 
encouraging  the  war :  but  the  unexpected  difficul- 
ties, which  we  have  before  noticed,  had  repressed 
the  execution  of  his  well-digested  plans,  and  left 


IM  UFI   or   GENKRAL   JACKSON. 

him  to  pursue  his  course  as  circumBtances,  and  the 
obstacles  met  with,  would  permit.  The  assistance 
which,  during  the  war,  had  been  continually  afford- 
ed these  people  from  Pensacola,  mduced  him  once 
more  to  turn  his  attention  there  ;  and  he  now 
strongly  urged  on  government  the  propriety  of 
breaking  down  this  strong  hold,  whence  so  many 
evils  had  flowed,  and  whence  greater  ones  were  to 
be  expected.  His  mind,  actively  engaged,  while 
employed  in  settling  all  differences  at  Fort  Jackson, 
had  sought,  through  every  channel  that  could  afford 
it,  information  as  to  the  designs  of  the  British 
against  the  southern  parts  of  the  Union.  The  idea 
Had  been  prevalent,  and  generally  indulged,  that, 
as  soon  as  the  severity  of  approaching  winter  should 
put  a  stop  to  active  operations  on  tlie  Canada  fron- 
tier, with  all  their  disposable  force,  they  would  turn 
their  attention  against  the  southern  states,  and  there 
attempt  to  gain  some  decisive  advantage.  New 
Orleans,  with  one  Consent,  was  fixed  upon  as  the 
point  that  most  probably  would  be  assailed.  The 
circumstance  of  there  being  so  many  persons  there, 
who  have  never  been  supposed  to  entertain  any 
well  founded  regard  for  the  country  in  which  they 
dved,  together  with  a  large  black  population,  which, 
it  wae  feared,  might  be  excited  to  insurrection  and 
massacre,  through  the  persuasions  of  an  enemv  wl*o 
geemed  to  disregard  all  the  laws  of  humanity, 
were  reasons  which  strongly  led  to  this  conclusion. 
General  Jackson,  having  understood  that  that 
comfort  and  aid,  which  heretofore  had  been  so  lib- 
erally extended,  was  still  afforded  by  the  Spanish 
governor  to  the  hostile  Indians,  who  had  fled  from 
the  rayages  of  the  Creek  war,  cherished  the  belief 
that  hi«  conduct  wa«  such  as  deservedly  to  exclude 


Uri   OP   GSNBRAL   JACKSOM.  11^ 

oim  from  that  protection  to  which,  under  other  cir- 
cumstances, he  would  be  entitled,  from  the  profess- 
ed neutrality  of  Spain.  At  all  events,  if  the  im- 
oroper  acta  of  the  Spanish  agents  woula  not  author- 
ize the  American  government  openly  to  redress 
herself  for  the  unprovoked  injuries  she  had  received 
they  were  such,  he  believed,  as  would  justify  any 
course  which  had  for  its  object  to  arrest  their  con- 
tinuance, and  give  safety  to  the  country.  In  this  point 
of  view  he  had  already  considered  it,  when,  on  his 
way  to  the  treaty  at  Fort  Jackson,  he  received  certain 
tiformation,  that  about  three  hundred  English  troops 
jiad  landed;  were  fortifying  themselves  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Apalachicola  ;  and  were  endeavouring 
to  excite  the  Indians  to  war.  No  time  was  lost  m 
giving  the  government  notice  of  what  was  passing, 
and  of  the  course  most  advisable  to  be  pursued. 
The  advantages  to  be  secured  from  the  possession 
of  Pensacola  he  had  frequently  urged. 

On  the  17th  of  January,  1815,  after  the  British 
army  had  been  repulsed  at  New  Orleans,  and  the  de- 
scent on  Florida  almost  forgotten,  through  tlie  post 
office  department,  dated  at  Washington  city,  the  18th 
of  July,  1814,  he  received  the  following  letter  from 
General  Armstrong,  then  secretary  at  war : 

"  The  case  you  put  is  a  very  strong  one  :  and,  if 
all  the  circumstances  stated  by  you  unite,  the  con- 
clusion is  irresistible.  It  becomes  our  duty  to  carry 
our  arms  where  we  find  our  enemies.  It  is  believed, 
and  I  am  so  directed  by  the  president  to  say,  that 
there  is  a  disposition,  on  the  part  of  the  Spanish  gov- 
ernment, not  to  break  with  the  United  States,  nor  tc 
encourage  any  conduct,  on  the  part  of  her  8i?*^''*-'ii- 
Date  agents,  having  a  tendency  to  such  rupture.  We 
Vfiutty  therefore,  in  this  ^asO;  be  careflil  to  Mcertaip 


158  tirm  op  general   iaceion. 

facta,  and  even  to  distinguish  what,  on  the  part  of  the 
Spanish  authoritiesj  may  be  the  effect  of  menace 
and  compulsion,  or  of  their  choice  and  policy.  Thp 
result  of  this  inquiry  must  govern.  If  they  ad- 
mit, feed,  arm,  and  co-operate  with  the  British  and 
hostile  Indians,  we  must  strike  on  the  broad  princi 
pie  of  self-preservation  : — under  other  and  difleren' 
circumstances,  we  must  forbear.'" 

That  tlie  state  of  things,  here  suggested  by  the 
secretary,  did  actually  exist ;  that  the  British  were 
favourably  received,  and  every  assistance  necessary 
to  a  continuance  of  hostilities  extended  to  the  Indi- 
ans, the  government  had  been  already  apprized,  by 
the  frequent  communications  made  to  them  on  the 
subject 

On  arriving  at  Fort  Jackson,  his  first  attention 
had  been  directed  to  a  subject  which  he  believed  to 
be  of  greater  importance  than  making  Indian  trea- 
ties—to establish  a  plan  by  which  to  be  constantly 
advised,  during  his  stay,  of  those  schemes  that  were 
in  agitation  in  tRe  south:  believing  that  every 
oassing  event  might  be  readily  obtained  through 
the  Indians,  who  could  go  among  the  British  with- 
out in  the  least  exciting  suspicion,  he  had  required 
Colonel  Hawkins  to  procure  some,  who  were  confi- 
dential, and  might  be  certainly  relied  on,  to  proceed 
to  the  Apalachicola,  and  towards  the  coast,  and  to 
return  as  early  as  they  could  obtain  correct  infor- 
mation of  the  strength,  views,  and  situation  of  the 
enemy.  In  about  fifteen  days  tliey  came  back,  con 
firming  the  statement  previously  received,  that  a 
considerable  English  force  had  arrived,  and  waa 
then  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Rose  ;  that  muskets  and  am- 
auixution  had  been  givan  to  the  Indians,  and  runneri 


LIFB   OP   GENERAL    JACKSON.  159 

despatched  to  the  different  tribes  to  invite  them  to 
the  coast 

Satisfied  that  such  pennissions,  by  a  neutral 
power,  were  too  grievous  to  be  borne,  he  immedi- 
ately addressed  a  letter  to  the  governor  of  Pensa- 
cola,  apprizing  him  of  the  information  received : 
pnd  inquiring  why  and  wherefore  it  happened  that 
every  protection  and  assistance  was  furnished  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States,  within  his  territory ; 
requesting  him  to  state  whether  or  not  the  facts 
were  as  they  had  been  represented  ;  and  demanding 
to  have  surrendered  to  him  such  of  the  chiefs  of 
the  hostile  Indians  as  were  with  him.  "  I  rely," 
continued  he,  "  on  the  existing  friendship  of  Spain 
her  treaties,  and  that  neutrality  which  she  should 
observe,  as  authority  for  the  demand  I  make."  The 
governor's  answer,  which  shortly  afterwards  was 
received,  evinced  nothing  of  a  conciliatory  temper, 
and  left  no  hope  of  procuring  any  other  redress 
than  that  which  might  be  obtained  through  some 
different  channel.  It  was  a  subject,  however, 
which  required  to  be  managed  with  considerable 
caution.  Spain  and  the  United  States  were  at 
peace.  To  reduce  any  portion  of  her  territory,  and 
take  possession  of  it,  in  exclusion  of  her  authority, 
might  be  construed  such  an  aggression  as  to  induce 
her  into  the  war.  On  the  other  hand,  for  her,  with 
open  arms,  to  receive  our  enemies,  and  permit  them 
to  make  every  preparation,  within  her  ports,  for  in- 
vading our  country,  were  outrages  too  monstrous 
to  be  borne,  and,  in  the  opinion  of  Jackson,  required 
to  be  remedied,  let  the  consequences  in  prospective 
be  what  they  might.  Although  these  things  had 
been  earnestly  pressed  upon  the  consideration  of 
the  war  department,  no  answer  to  hie  repeated  lo- 
14 


liO  Lira    OF   GENERAL   JACKSON 

licitationB  on  the  subject  had  been  received.  0» 
his  own  responsibility,  to  advance  to  the  execution 
of  a  measure,  which  involved  so  much,  when  his 
government  was,  and  had  for  some  time  been^  m 
possession  of  all  the  circumstances,  was  risking  too 
much.  yet,  were  it  delayed  longer,  every  day 
might  give  to  Pensacola  additional  strength,  and 
increase  the  danger  attendant  on  its  reduction 
Undetermined,  under  considerations  like  these,  he 
resolved  upon  another  expedient — to  despatch  a 
messenger,  to  lay  open  to  the  governor  the  ground 
of  his  complaint — obtain  from  him  a  declaration  of 
nis  intention,  as  regarded  the  course  he  meant  to 
adopt,  and  pursue — and  ascertain  whether  he  de- 
bigned  to  make  subsisting  treaties,  between  the  two 
nations,  the  basis  of  his  conduct,  or  to  pursue  a  con- 
cealed course,  which,  under  the  garb  of  pretended 
friendship,  cloaked  all  the  realities  of  war.  The 
propriety  of  delivering  up  the  hostile  Indians,  who 
were  with  him,  to  jitone  for  the  violation  of  existing 
treaties,  and  the  rights  of  humanity,  and  the  mur- 
ders they  had  conmiitted,  was  again  solicited. 

A  reply  was  not  concluded  on  by  the  governor 
for  some  time,  owing  to  a  very  considerable  doubt 
that  harassed  his  mind,  whether  it  would  not  be 
more  proper  to  return  it  without  an  answer,  "  in  im- 
tation  of  the  conduct  of  General  Floumoy,  who, 
acting  in  conformity  to  the  orders  of  Mr.  Madison, 
heretofore  had  omitted  to  answer  a  despatch  of  his." 
But,  having  considered  the  matter  quite  'deliberate- 
ly, he  at  length  came  to  the  conclusion,  to  wave  the 
example  set  him  by  the  president,  and,  in  replying 
to  act  in  obedience  to  those  "  high  and  generoui 
feelings  peculiar  t»  the  Spanish  character." 

To  tho  demuid  made  upon  him,  that  the  hoetile 


UFB    OF   eENFRAX   JACKSON.  161 

Indians  ahould  be  delivered  up.  he  denied  that  they 
were  with  him,  "  at  that  tim^ ,''  or  that  he  could,  on 
the  ground  of  hospitality,  refnae  them  assistance 
at  a  moment  when  their  distresses  were  so  great ; 
nor  could  he  surrender  them,  witnout  acting  in  open 
violation  of  the  laws  of  nations, — laws,  to  which  his 
Eovereign  had  ever  strictly  adhered,  and  of  which 
he  had  already  afforded  the  United  States  abundant 
evidence,  in  omitting  to  demand  of  them  "  the  trai- 
tors, insurgents,  incendiaries,  and  assassins  of  his 
cniefs,  namely,  Guiterres,  Toledo,  and  many  others, 
whom  the  American  government  protected  and 
maintained  in  committing  hostilities,  in  fomenting 
the  revolution,  and  m  lighting  up  the  flames  of  dis- 
cord in  the  internal  provinces  of  the  kingdom  of 
Mexico." 

To  the  inquiry,  why  the  English  had  been  suflTered 
to  land  in  his  province  arms  and  ammunition,  with  a 
view  to  encouraging  the  Indians  in  their  acts  of  hos' 
tility,  he  proceeded  with  his  same  "  national  charac- 
teristic," and  demanded  to  be  informed  if  the  United 
States  were  ignorant,  that,  at  the  conquest  of  Flor- 
ida, there  was  a  treaty  between  Great  Britain  and 
the  Creek  Indians,  and  whether  they  did  not  know 
that  it  still  existed  between  Spain  and  those  tribes. 
"  But,"  continued  he,  "  turn  your  eyes  to  the  island 
of  Barrataria,  and  you  will  there  perceive  that, 
within  the  very  territory  of  the  United  States,  p  - 
rates  q,re  sheltered,  with  the  manifest  design  of 
comiiiittiag  hostilities  by  sea  upon  the  merchant, 
vesbels  of  Spain  ;  and  with  such  scandalous  notori 
ety,  that  the  cargoes  of  our  vessels,  taken  by  them 
have  been  publicly  sold  in  Louisiana." 

It  is  difficult  to  discover  how,  or  by  what  system 
of  logic,  it  was;  that  Governor  Manreqoez  was  ena 


161  UFB    OF   GENERAL    JACKSON 

olcd  to  trace  any  kind  of  analogy  between  tb« 
iJmted  States  aflfording  to  a  few  of  the  patriots  of 
South  America  an  asylum  from  the  persecutiona 
that  were  threatened  to  be  imposed  on  them  by 
Spanish  tyranny,  and  his  permitting,  within  the  lira 
its  of  Florida,  comfort,  aid,  and  assistance  to  be 
given  the  savages,  that  they  might  be  enabled  to 
indulge  in  cruelty  towards  us.  Nor  can  it  be  per- 
ceived how  it  was,  that  the  piracies  of  Lafite  and 
his  party,  at  Barrataria,  and  the  successful  smug- 
gling which  brought  their  plundered  wealth  into 
port,  in  open  defiance  of  our  laws,  could  operate  as 
a  sufficient  pretext  for  giving  protection  to  an  ene- 
my entering  the  territory  of  Spain,  and  continuing 
there,  with  the  avowed  intention  of  waging  wai 
against  a  power,  with  which  she  not  only  professed 
to  be  in  friendship,  but  was  bound  by  treaty  to  be 
so,  and  at  the  very  time,  too,  when  she  claimed  to 
be  neutral.  Nor  can  we  see  the  force  of  the  argu- 
ment, because  England  had  a  treaty  with  the  Creek 
Indians,  which  afterwards  devolved  on  Spain,  that 
the  agents  of  his  Catholic  majesty  were,  in  conse- 
quence, justified  in  protecting  the  savages  in  their 
murders,  or  assisting  covertly,  as  they  did,  in  the 
war  against  us  :  how  the  conclusions  were  arrived 
at,  the  governor  can  decide  at  some  moment,  when, 
relieved  from  those  high  and  honourable  feelings 
« peculiar  to  the  Spanish  character,"  Reason  may 
re-assert  her  empire  over  him,  and  point  out  tlie 
manner  in  which  he  was  enabled  to  produce  his 
strange  results. 

The  governor,  however,  had  evinced  rather  too 
high  a  state  of  feeling,  and  taken  his  ground  with- 
out suffering  his  reflections  to  go  to  their  full  ex 
taut     He  had  placed  arms  in  the  hands  of  the  sa^ 


URB   OF   GENERAL   JACKSOlf  16S 

ages  "  for  the  purposes  of  self-defence  "  many  of 
them  were  hastening  to  him  ;  more  were  yet  ex- 
pected.    The  British  had  already  landed  a  partial 
force,  and  a  greater  one  was  shortly  looked  for. 
Against  this  expected  strength,  added  to  what  his 
own  resources  could  supply,  he  believed  an  Amen 
can  general  would  not  venture  to  advance.     These 
considerations  had  led  him  to  assume  a  lofty  tone ; 
to  arraign  the  conduct  of  the  United  States,  in  ex- 
tinguishing the  Indian  title  on  the  Alabama ;  to  ac- 
cuse them  of  violating  their  treaties,  and  to  point 
out  the  danger  to  which  the  restoration  of  peace  in 
Europe  might  expose  them.    As  yet  he  was  ignorant 
of  the  energy  of  the  man  already  near  his  borders, 
and  who,  to  march  against  and  break  down  his  fan- 
cied security,  did  not  desire  to  be  ordered,  but  only 
to  be  apprized  by  his  country  that  it  might  be  done. 
Jackson,  in  no  wise  pleased  with  the  boldness  of  his 
remarks,  proceeded  again  to  address  him,  and  exhib- 
ited fully  the  grounds  of  complaint  in  behalf  of  his 
country,  and  in  a  style  at  least  as  courtly  as  his  own. 
"Were  I  clotlied,"  he  remarks, "  with  diplomatic 
powers,  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the  topics  em- 
braced in  the  wide  range  of  injuries,  of  which  you 
complain,  and  which  have  long  since  been  adjusted, 
I  could  easily  demonstrate  that  the  United  States 
have  been  always  faithful  to  thecr  treaties,  steadfast 
in  their  friendships,  nor  have  ever  claimed  any  thing 
that  was  not  v/arranted  by  justice.     They  have  en 
dured  many  insults  from  the  governors  and  other 
oncers  of  Spain,  which,  if  sanctioned  by  their  sove- 
reign,  would   have  amounted  to  acts  of  host'lity, 
wiUiout   any  previous  declaration  on  the  subject 
They  have  excited  the  savages  to  war,  and  afford 
ed  thero  the  means  of  waging  it :  the  property  of 
U* 


164  LIPB    OP   GENERAL    JACKBON. 

our  citizens  has  been  captured  at  sea,  and,  if  com 
pensation  has  not  been  refused,  it  has  at  least  been 
withheld.  But,  as  no  such  powers  have  been  dele- 
gated to  me,  I  shall  not  assume  them,  but  leave 
them  to  the  representatives  of  our  respective  gov- 
ernments. 

« I  have  the  honour  of  being  intrusted  with  the 
command  of  this  district.  Charged  with  its  protec- 
tion, and  the  safety  of  its  citizens,  I  feel  my  ability 
to  discharge  the  task,  and  trust  your  excellency 
will  always  find  me  ready  and  willing  to  go  for- 
ward, in  the  performance  of  that  duty,  whenever 
circumstances  shall  render  it  necessary.  I  agree 
with  you,  perfectly,  that  candour  and  polite  lan- 
guage should,  at  all  times,  characterize  the  commu- 
nications between  the  officers  of  friendly  sovereign- 
ties ;  and  I  assert,  without  the  fear  of  contradiction, 
that  my  former  letters  were  couched  in  terms  the 
most  respectful  and  unexceptionable.  I  only  re- 
quested, and  did  not  demand,  as  you  have  assert- 
ed, that  the  ringleaders  of  the  Creek  confederacy 
night  be  delivered  to  me,  who  had  taken  refuge  in 
your  town,  and  who  had  violated  all  laws,  moral 
civil  and  divine.  This  I  had  a  right  to  do,  from  the 
treaty  which  I  sent  you,  and  which  I  now  again  en- 
close, with  a  request  that  you  will  change  your 
translation ;  believing,  as  I  do,  that  your  fbrmer 
one  v/as  wrong,  and  has  deceived  you.  What 
kind  of  an  answer  you  returned,  a  reference 
to  your  letter  will  explain.  The  whole  of  it  breath- 
ed nothing  but  hostility,  grounded  upon  assumed 
facts,  and  false  charges,  and  entirely  evading  the 
nquiries  that  had  been  made. 

"  I  can  but  express  my  astonishment  at  your  pro 
tMt  «gaiiut  the  cession  on  the  Alabama,  lying 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  16S 

within  the  acknowledged  limits  and  jurisdiction  of 
the  United  States,  and  wjiich  has  been  ratified,  in 
due  form,  by  the  principal  chiefs  and  warriors  of 
the  nation.  But  my  astonishment  subsides,  when 
on  comparison,  I  find  it  upon  a  par  with  the  rest  of 
your  letter  and  conduct ;  taken  together,  they  af- 
ford a  sufficient  justification  for  any  course  on  mj 
part,  or  consequences  that  may  ensue  to  yourself. 
My  government  will  protect  every  inch  of  her  te^*ri- 
tory,  her  citizens,  and  their  property,^  from  insult 
and  depredation,  regardless  of  the  political  revolu- 
tions of  Europe  ;  and,  although  she  has  been  at  all 
times  sedulous  to  preserve  a  good  understanding 
with  all  the  world,  yet  she  has  sacred  rights,  that 
cannot  be  trampled  upon  with  impunity.  Spain 
iiad  better  look  to  her  own  intestine  commotions 
bv^fore  she  walks  forth  in  that  majesty  of  strength 
and  power,  which  you  threaten  to  draw  down  upon 
the  United  States. 

"  Your  excellency  has  been  candid  enough  to  ad- 
mit your  having  supplied  the  Indians  with  arras. 
In  addition  to  this,  I  have  learned  that  a  British 
flag  has  been  seen  flying  on  one  of  your  forts.  All 
this  is  done  whilst  you  are  pretending  to  be  neu- 
tral. You  cannot  be  surprised,  then,  but  on  the 
contrary  will  provide  a  fort  in  your  town  for  my 
soldiers  and  Indians,  should  I  take  it  in  my  head  to 
pay  you  a  visit. 

"  In  future  I  beg  you  to  withhold  your  insulting 
charges  against  my  government  for  one  more  in- 
clined to  listen  to  i  ^andpr  than  I  am  ;  nor  consldei 
me  any  more  as  a  liplomatic  character,  unless  sc 
proclaimed  to  you  from  the  mouths  of  ray  cannon." 

Captain  Gordon,  who  had  beer  despatched  tc 
Pens&cola,  had  been  enabled,  during  the  time  he 


Mi  UPI   OF  OimSAL    lACKSOir. 

remained  there,  to  obtain  mich  more  satisfactorf 
information  than  it  had  pleaaed  the  governor  to 
communicate.  Appearances  completely  developed 
the  schemes  which  were  in  agitation,  and  convinc- 
ed him  that  active  operations  were  intended  to  be 
conunenced  somewhere  m  the  lower  country.  On 
nis  return,  he  reported  to  the  general,  that  he  had 
seen  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred 
oflBcers  and  soldiers,  a  park  of  artillery,  and  about 
five  hundred  Indians,  under  the  drill  of  British  offi- 
cers, armed  with  new  muskets,  and  dressed  in  the 
English  uniform. 

Jackson  directly  brought  to  the  view  of  the  gov- 
ernment the  information  he  had  received,  and  again 
urged  his  favourite  scheme,  the  reduction  of  Pen- 
sacola.  "  How  long,"  he  observed,  "  will  the  Unit- 
ed States  pocket  the  reproach  and  open  insults  of 
Spain  ?  It  is  alone  by  a  manly  and  dignified  course, 
that  we  can  secure  respect  from  other  nations,  and 
peace  to  our  own.  Temporizing  policy  is  not  only 
a  disgrace,  but  a  curse  to  any  nation.  It  is  a  fact 
that  a  British  captain  of  marines  is,  and  has  for 
some  time  past  been,  engaged  in  drilling  and  or- 
ganizing the  fugitive  Creeks,  under  the  eye  of  the 
governor  ;  endeavouring,  by  his  influence  and  pres- 
ents, to  draw  to  his  standard  as  well  the  peaceable 
as  the  hostile  Indians.  If  permission  had  been 
given  me  to  march  against  this  place  twenty  days 
ago,  I  woult%  ere  this,  have  planted  there  the  Amer- 
ican Eagle  ;  now,  we  must  trust  alone  to  our  val- 
our, and  to  the  justice  of  our  cause.  But  my  pres- 
ent resources  are  so  limited — a  sickly  climate,  as 
well  as  an  enemy,  to  contend  with,  and  without  the 
means  of  transportation  to  change  the  position  of 


Ura   OP  «1NERAL    lACKlON.  If? 

my  umy,  that,  restiiii^  on  the  bravery  of  my  Ihtlt 
phalanx,  I  can  only  hope  for  success.^' 

Many  difficulties  were  presented  ;  and,  although 
anxious  to  carry  into  execution  a  purpose  which 
seemed  so  strongly  warranted  by  necessity,  he  saw 
that  he  was  wholly  without  the  power  of  moving, 
even  should  he  be  directed  to  do  so.  Acting  in  a 
remote  corner  of  the  Union,  which  was  thinly  inhab- 
ited, the  credit  of  his  government  was  inadequate 
to  procure  those  things  essential  to  his  operations  , 
while  the  poverty  of  his  quarter-master's  depart- 
ment presented  but  a  dreary  prospect  for  reliance. 
But,  to  have  all  things  in  a  state  of  readiness  for  ac- 
tion, when  the  time  should  arrive  to  authorize  it,  he 
was  directing  his  attention  in  the  way  most  likely 
to  effect  it.  The  warriors  of  the  different  tribes  of 
Indians  were  ordered  to  be  marshalled,  and  taken 
into  tlie  pay  of  the  government  He  addressed 
himself  to  the  governors  of  Tennessee,  Louisiana, 
and  tlie  Mississippi  territory,  and  pressed  them  to 
be  vigilant  in  the  discharge  of  tlieir  duties.  Infor- 
mation, he  said,  had  reached  him,  which  rendered 
it  necessary  that  all  the  forces  allotted  for  the  de 
fence  of  the  seventh  military  district,  should  be 
held  in  a  state  of  perfect  readiness,  to  march  at  any 
notice,  and  to  any  point  they  might  be  required 
"Dark  and  heavy  clouds  hover  around  us.  The 
energy  and  patriotism  of  the  citizens  of  your  states 
must  dispel  them.  Our  rights,  our  liberties,  and 
free  constitution,  are  threatened.  This  noble  pat- 
rimony of  our  fathers  must  be  defended  with  the 
best  blood  of  our  country :  to  do  this,  you  must 
hasten  to  carry  into  effect  the  requisition  of  the 
secretary  of  vrpx,  and  call  fcrth  your  troops  without 
delay." 


168  LLFE   OF   GENERAL   JACKSON. 

On  the  day  after  completing  his  business  at  Port 
Jackson,  he  had  departed  for  Mobile,  to  place  the 
country  in  a  proper  state  of  defence.  The  third 
regiment,  a  part  of  the  forty-fourth  and  thirty-ninth, 
constituted,  entirely,  the  regular  forces  he  could  at 
this  time  command.  Many  reasons  concurred  to 
render  it  necessary  that  a  sufficient  force  should  be 
brought  into  the  field  as  early  as  possible.  His  ap- 
peals to  the  people  of  Tennessee  had  been  generally 
crowned  with  success  ;  and  he  had  no  doubt  but 
that  he  might  yet  obtain  from  them  such  assistance  as 
would  enable  him,  should  any  unexpected  emergen- 
cy arise,  to  act  at  least  defensively,  until  the  states 
already  applied  to  should  have  their  quotas  ready  for 
.he  field.  On  the  citizens  of  Louisiana  and  Missis- 
sippi he  believed  he  might  securely  rely,  and  that 
their  ardour  would  readily  excite  them  to  contend 
with  an  enemy  at  their  very  doors.  Well  knowmg 
the  delay  incident  to  bringing  militia  requisitions 
expeditiously  fortli,  5,nd  fearing  that  some  circum- 
stance might  arise  to  jeopardize  the  safety  of  the 
country,  before  the  constituted  authorities  could  act, 
he  had  already  despatched  his  adjutant-general, 
Colonel  Butler,  to  Tennessee  with  orders  to  raise 
volunteers,  and  have  them  in  readiness  to  advance 
to  his  relief,  whenever  it  should  be  required. 

Every  day's  intelligence  tended  to  confirm  the 
belief  that  a  descent  would  be  made, — most  proba- 
bly on  New  Orleans.  Anonymous  letters,  secretly 
forwarded  from  Pensacola,  and  which  found  their 
way  into  the  American  camp,  suggested  this  aa  the 
point  of  assault ;  and  many  of  the  settlers  were  ap- 
prized by  their  friends  cf  the  fears  entertained  for 
their  safety,  and  entreated  to  retire  from  the  gath- 
ering storm,  which,  it  was  feared,  would  toon  burnt 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  169 

and  entirely  involve  the  lower  country  in  ruin. 
Where  certainly  to  expect  attack,  was  as  yet  un. 
known.  Tlie  part  of  the  country  bordering  on  Mo- 
bile might  be  assailed  ;  yet,  taking  into  considera- 
tion that  no  very  decided  advantages  could  be  ob- 
tained there,  it  was  an  event  not  much  to  be  appre- 
hended. The  necessity,  however,  of  being  prepar- 
ed at  all  points,  so  far  as  the  means  of  defence 
could  be  procured,  was  at  once  obvious  ;  for,  as  the 
general,  in  one  of  his  letters,  remarked,  "  there 
was  no  telling  where  or  when  the  spoiler  might 
come." 

There  were  now  too  many  reasons  to  expect  an 
early  visit,  and  too  many  causes  to  apprehend  dan- 
ger, not  to  desire  that  an  efficient  force  might  be 
within  convenient  distance.  Colonel  Butler  was 
accordingly  written  to,  and  ordered  to  hasten  for- 
ward, with  the  volunteers  he  could  procure,  and  to 
join  him  without  delay.  The  order  reached  him 
at  Nashville,  on  the  9th  of  September,  and  he  forth- 
with engaged  actively  in  its  execution.  He  directly 
applied  to  General  Coffee,  to  advance  with  the 
mounted  troops  ae  could  collect.  A  general  order 
was  at  the  same  time  issued,  bringing  to  view  the 
dangers  that  threatened,  and  soliciting  those  who 
were  disposed  to  aid  in  protecting  their  country 
from  invasion,  to  unite  with  him  at  Fayetteville,  by 
the  28th  instant.  The  appeal  was  not  ineffectual ; 
although  the  scene  of  operation  was  at  least  four 
hundred  miles  from  the  point  of  rendezvous,  the 
call  was  promptly  obeyed  ;  and  two  thousand  able- 
bodied  men,  well  supplied  with  rifles  and  muskets, 
appeared  at  the  appointed  time  to  march  with  the 
brave  General  Coffee,  who  had  so  often  led  his 
troops  to  victory  and  honour.    Colonel  Butler,  with 


170       UFK  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 

taa  Offoal  industry,  hastened  to  press  forward  the 
militia,  under  the  commaiid  of  Colonel  Lowery 
which  had  been  heretofore  required  for  garrisoning 
the  po0ta  in  the  Indian  country ;  whilst  Captains 
Baker  and  Butler,  with  the  regular  forces  lately  en- 
listed, advanced  from  Nashville  to  Mobile,  where 
they  arrived  in  fourteen  days.  By  proper  exertions 
every  thing  was  presently  in  complete  readiness : 
and  the  troops  collected  for  the  campaign,  in  high 
spirits,  set  out  for  the  point  to  which  danger,  du^, 
•nd  their  countnr  called  them. 


UffB  or  aiNBRAL    JACKBOJf.  17] 


CHAPTER   VTL 

Colmd  NichoiU  arriws  at  Petisacola,  and  issues  a  proclamatum  td 
the  tauihtm  inhabiiaids. — Aiiack  on  Fort  Bowyer,  and  loss  oj 
the  Hermes. — Jackson  determines  to  reduce  Fensacola. — Demams 
of  the  governor  an  explanation  of  his  conduct ;  his  answer  — 
Enters  and  takes  possession  of  Pensacola. — Conduct  and  perjidy 
of  the  governor.  Destruction,  by  the  British,  of  Barrancas 
Fort. — Our  troops  return  to  Mobile. — Expedition  against  the 
Indians. — General  Wincliesier  arrives,  and  Jackson  proceeds  tc 
take  command  of  New  Orleans. 

Whether  a  force  were  thus  concentrating  to  act 
defensively  against  an  invading  enemy,  or  were  in- 
tended to  reduce  the  rallying  point  of  the  Indians 
and  British  in  the  Spanish  territory,  whence  they 
had  it  in  their  power  to  make  sudden  inroads  on 
any  part  of  our  coast,  as  yet  all  was  conjecture. 
It  was  a  trait  in  Jackson's  character  to  lock  closely 
in  his  bosom  all  his  determinations  :  it  was  only  to 
a  few,  on  whom  he  reposed  with  unlimited  confi- 
dence, that  the  least  intimation  was  at  any  time  giv- 
en of  his  intentions.  The  idea  could  scarcely  be 
entertained,  that,  at  this  time,  any  hostility  waa 
meditated  against  Pensacola. 

It  was  impossible  he  should  remain  long  in  doubt, 
as  to  the  course  best  calculated  to  assure  defence, 
or  to  the  ulterior  objects  of  the  enemy.  Colonel 
Nicholls,  with  a  small  squadron  of  his  Britannic 
majesty's  ships,  had  arrived  the  latter  part  of  Au- 
gust, and  taken  up  his  head-quarters  with  Governor 
Manrequez.  He  was  an  Irishman,  sent  in  advance 
•y  his  royal  master  to  sow  dissensions  among  ouf 
^ple^  and  to  draw  around  hia  standard  the  male 
15 


179       UFB  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 

contents  and  traitors  of  the  country.  His  proclama 
tion,  issued  to  the  western  and  southern  inhabitantHi 
ftill  of  well-turned  periods,  false  statements  and 
high-sounding  proinises,  it  was  hoped,  would  lead 
them  to  a  belief,  that  the  government  under  which 
tliey  lived  was  forging  for  them  chains  ;  that  it  had 
declared  war  against  a  power,  the  freest,  the  hap- 
piest, the  most  moral  and  religious  on  earth.  He 
Slated,  that  he  was  at  the  heo  J  of  a  force  amply  suf- 
ficient to  reinstate  them  in  those  liberties  and  en- 
joyments, of  whicli  they  had  been  bereaved,  by  the 
designs  of  "  a  contemptible  few."  That  such  as 
were  disposed  to  imbrue  their  hands  in  the  blood 
of  their  countrymen,  might  not  quietly  rest,  doubt- 
mg  of  the  assurances  proffered  thorn,  he  concluded 
by  tendering,  as  security  for  all  he  had  said  and 
promised,  "  the  sacred  honour  of  a  British  officer." 
Perhaps  he  could  have  vouchsafed  nothing  that  the 
American  people  would  not  have  sooner  relied  on 
it  was  a  pledge,  in  which  past  experience  told  tliem 
they  could  not  iji  safety  confide.  To  them  it  waa 
a  matter  of  surprise,  that  a  country,  from  which 
they  had  learned  all  they  had  ever  known  or  felt  of 
oppression,  should  come  to  make  tliem  freer  than 
ttiey  were  ;  or  that,  groaning  themselves  under  8 
load  of  taxes,  from  which  there  was  scarcely  a  hope 
of  being  ever  relieved,  they  should  come,  with  such 
apparent  compassion,  and  great  benevolence,  to 
take  away  the  burdens  of  those  whom  they  despis- 
ed, and  on  whom,  for  forty  years,  they  had  heaped 
nothing  but  reproach. 

He  had  waited  about  two  weeks,  that  his  proc 
fjimation  might  take  effectual  hold,  anJ  prepare  the 
uih&bitanta  to  open  their  bosoms  to  receive  him, 
when  tliis  delivermg  hero  aided  by  his  Indian  and 


UWM   OP  eSNBRAL  JACKSOV.  17t 

Spaniflh  alli'eS)  set  out  to  ascertain  the  effect  it  had 
wrought  His  first  visit  was  to  Fort  Bowyer,  sit- 
uated on  the  extreme  end  of  a  narrow  neck  of  land, 
about  eighteen  miles  below  the  head  of  Mobile  Bay, 
the  entrance  of  which  it  commanded.  With  the  loss  ol 
one  of  his  ships  and  an  eye,  he  had  the  mortification 
to  learn,  that  he  had  been  addressing  an  incorrigi 
ble  race,  who  could  be  neither  duped,  flattered,  noi 
forced  into  submission. 

Fort  Bowyer  had  been  heretofore  abandoned  : 
and,  until  the  arrival  of  General  Jackson  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  country,  was  indeed  ill  calculated  for 
serious  resistance.  On  perceiving  its  importance. 
he  immediately  caused  it  to  be  placed  in  the  best 
possible  state  of  defence.  So  effectual  was  its  sit- 
aation  in  a  military  point  of  view,  commanding  the 
passes  of  those  rivers  which  discharged  themselves 
into  the  bay,  that  it  was  with  him  a  matter  of  sur- 
prise it  had  not  been  more  regarded  by  the  United 
States,  and  even  better  attended  to  by  our  enemies. 

Major  Lawrence  had  the  honour  to  command  this 
spot,  the  gallant  defence  of  which  has  given  it  ce- 
lebrity, and  raised  him  to  an  elevated  stand  in  the 
estimation  of  his  country.  That  at  Pensacola  plans 
of  operation  were  digesting,  which  had  for  their 
object  an  invasion  of  our  coast  somewhere,  was  a  fact 
to  which  Lawrence  was  not  a  stranger.  A  dispo- 
sition to  have  his  little  fortress  in  such  a  state  of 
readiness,  as  would  place  it  m  his  power,  should 
that  be  their  object,  to  make  a  brave  defence,  had 
prompted  him  to  the  most  vigorous  exertions.  His 
whole  strength  was  but  one  hundred  and  thirty 
men.  By  this  Spartan  band  was  evinced  a  confi- 
dence in  each  other,  and  an  unshaken  resolution. 
which  left  their  brave  commande    no  room  U>  ap 


174 


uri  or  •imiRAL  jackbon. 


prebend  diahonour  to  his  flag,  even  should  deieai 
result. 

The  12th  of  September  determined  all  doubt  ot 
the  object  which  tlie  British  had  in  view.  The  sen 
tinels  brought  intelligence  that  a  considerable  force, 
consisting  of  Indians,  marines,  and  Spaniards,  had 
landed  ;  and  the  same  day  two  brigs  and  sloops 
hove  in  sight  of  the  fort,  and  anchored. 

The  next  day  a  demonstration  was  made,  by  those 
who  had  been  landed,  to  bring  on  the  attack ;  but 
a  fire  from  the  fort  forced  them  from  their  position, 
and  compelled  them  to  retire  about  two  miles 
whence,  attempting  to  throw  up  fortifications,  they 
were  again  made  to  retreat. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  loth,  the  signals, 
passing  from  the  ships  to  the  shore,  led  Lawrence 
to  believe  an  assault  was  intended,  and  would  short- 
ly be  made.  At  half  after  four  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, every  thing  being  arranged,  the  Hermes,  in 
the  van,  commanded  by  Sir  W.  H.  Percy,  and  the 
other  vessels  close  in  the  rear,  anchored  within 
musket-shot  fire  of  the  fort  From  her  near  posi- 
tior.,  supported  by  the  Carron,  and  brigs  Sophia  and 
Anaconda,  mounting  in  all  ninety  guns,  she  open- 
ed a  broadside.  Colonel  Nicholls  and  Captain 
Woodbine,  at  the  head  of  their  detachment,  com- 
menced a  simultaneous  attack  by  land,  with  a 
twelve  pound  howitzer,  at  point  blank  distance ;  but 
from  their  sand  bank  fortifications  they  were  so 
quickly  driven  as  to  be  unable  to  produce  the  slight 
est  injury. 

The  action  raged  with  considerable  violence 
From  the  fort  and  ships  was  pouring  a  continual  fire 
The  Hermes,  having,  at  length,  received  a  shot 
through  her  cable,was  drivenfi  om  her  anchorage,  and 


UFl  or  flINKRAL   lACKtON.  171 

Hotted  with  the  itretm.  In  this  eitu&tion  ihe  wsi 
thrown  into  a  poeition,  where,  for  twenty  minute*, 
she  received  a  severely  raking  fire,  which  did  hei 
considerable  damage.  In  her  disabled  condition, 
it  was  no  longer  possible  to  control  her,  whence, 
drifting  with  the  current,  she  ran  upon  a  saLd  bank 
about  seven  hundred  yards  distant,  where,  until  late 
at  night,  she  remained  exposed  to  the  guns  of  the 
fort  Her  commander,  finding  it  impracticable  to 
be  relieved,  set  her  on  fire,  and  abandoned  her. 
She  continued  burning  until  eleven  o'clock,  when 
she  blew  up.  The  Carron,  next  in  advance  to  the 
Hermes,  was  considerably  iiyured,  and  with  diffi- 
culty went  out  to  sea. 

It  may  be  worth  while,  to  show  the  difibrence  in 
battle  between  the  two  combatants,  to  mark  the 
conduct  of  British  and  American  oflicers,  under  cir 
cumstances  precisely  similar.  Whilst  the  battle 
raged,  the  flag  of  the  van  ship  was  carried  away, 
and  at  this  moment  she  had  ceased  to  fire.  What 
had  caused  its  disappearance  none  could  tell :  no 
other  opinion  was,  or  could  with  propriety  be  en- 
tertained, than  that  it  had  been  hauled  down,  with 
a  view  to  yield  the  contest,  and  surrender.  Influ- 
enced by  this  belief,  Lawrence,  with  a  generosity 
characteristic  of  our  officers,  immediately  desisted 
from  further  firing.  The  appearance  of  a  new  flag, 
and  a  broadside  from  the  ship  next  the  Hermes,  was 
the  first  intelligence  received  that  such  was  not  the 
fact  and  the  contest  again  raged  with  renewed 
violence.  It  was  but  a  few  minutes,  however,  before 
the  flag-staff"  of  the  fort  was  also  carried  away ;  but, 
■o  far  from  pursuing  the  same  generous  course  tliat 
Iwd  just  been  witnessed,  the  zeal  of  the  enemy  wa« 
tDcreased,  and  the  assault  more  furiouily  urged 
16* 


176  uri  or  aE^^£RAL  iackhon. 

At  tiuB  moment,  Nicholls  and  Woodbine,  at  the  head 
of  their  embattled  train .  perceiving  what  had  hap- 
pened,— that  our  "  star-spangled  banner"  had  sunk, 
— at  once  presuming  all  danger  to  have  subsided, 
made  a  moat  courageous  sally  from  their  strong 
hold;  and,  pushing  towards  their  vanquished  foes, 
were  already  calculating  on  a  rich  harvest  of  plun- 
der: but  a  well-directed  fire  checked  their  pro 
gress,  dissipated  their  expectations,  and  drove  them 
back,  with  a  rapidity  even  surpassing  the  celerity 
of  their  advance. 

From  the  bay,  the  attack  was  waged  with  a  force 
of  six  hundred  men,  and  ninety  guns,  of  larger  cal- 
iber than  any  opposed  to  them ;  whilst  upwards  of 
four  hundred  Indians  and  other  troops  were  on  the 
shore,  in  rear  of  the  fort.  Lawrence's  strength  waa 
scarcely  a  tenth  of  the  enemy's.  His  fort,  hastily 
prepared  for  defence,  with  not  more  tlian  twenty 
guns,  was  ill  calculated  for  stubborn  resistance : 
most  of  these  were  of  small  caliber,  whilst  many, 
from  being  badly  mounted,  were  capable  of  render- 
ing no  essential  service  in  the  action  :  yet,  with 
this  great  inequality,  he  well  maintained  the  honour 
of  his  flag,  and  compelled  the  enemy,  resting  in  full 
confidence  of  success,  to  retire,  with  the  loss  of 
their  best  ship,  and  two  hundred  and  thirty  men 
killed  and  wounded  ;  whilst  the  loss  sustained  by 
the  Americans  did  not  exceed  ten 

Very  different  were  the  feelings  of  the  leaders 
of  this  expedition,  from  what  had  been  entertained 
on  setting  out  from  Pensacola,  where  every  thing 
had  been  prepared  for  giving  success  to  their  plans, 
and  where  scarcely  a  doubt  was  entertained  of  tlie 
rcflulv.  Numerous  benefits  were  expected  to  arise 
fipom  a  victory,  not  in  expectancy,  but  already  looked 


Lin   or   GSNBRAL  JACKSON.  177 

to  aa  certain — aa  an  event  that  could  not  fail  From 
it,  greater  facility  would  be  given  to  their  opera- 
lions  ;  while  Mobile,  it  was  expected,  would  fall,  of 
course.  This  being  effected,  independent  of  the 
strong  hold  already  possessed  in  Florida,  an  addi- 
tional advantage  would  be  acquired,  calculated  tc 
prevent  all  intercourse  with  New  Orleans  from  this . 
section  of  the  country,  enable  them  more  easily  tc ' 
procure  supplies,  and,  having  obtained  tlieir  expect- 
ed re- enforcements,  piloted  and  aided  by  the  Indians 
to  proceed  across  to  the  Mississippi,  and  cut  off  all 
communication  with  the  western  states.  To  rendei 
the  blow  effectual  was  important ;  that,  by  impress 
ing  at  once  the  inhabitants  with  an  idea  of  thei, 
prowess,  the  proclamations  already  disseminatec 
might  claim  a  stronger  influence  on  doubting 
minds.  The  force  employed  was  calculated  to  at 
tain  these  wished-for  results.  While  the  attack 
should  be  furiously  waged  by  the  ships  from  the  bay 
and  the  forces  on  the  shore,  the  yells  of  three  or 
four  hundred  savages  in  the  rear,  it  was  calculated, 
would  strike  the  defenders  of  this  fort  with  such 
panic,  as  to  make  them,  at  the  first  onset,  throw 
down  their  arms,  and  clamour  for  mercy.  This  be 
lief  was  so  sanguinely  indulged,  that  obstinate  re- 
sistance had  never  been  thought  of.  Different  was 
the  reality — instead  of  triumph,  they  had  met  de- 
feat. The  only  badges  of  victory  they  could  pre- 
sent their  friends,  with  w^honr,  but  a  few  days  before, 
with  flattering  promises  they  had  parted,  were  shat- 
tered hulks,  that  could  scarcely  keep  above  the 
water,  and  decks  covered  with  the  dead  and 
wounded. 

The  three  vessels  that  retired  from  the  contest 
irere  considerably  injured,  and  with  difiiculty  pro 


178  LIFE    OF     GENERAL    JACKSON. 

ceedeJ  to  sea,  leaving  Nicholls  and  WoodbmCj 
with  their  friends  and  allies,  on  the  shore,  to  make 
good  tlieir  retreat,  as  discretion  should  permit. 

On  Uie  morning  of  the  14tli,  Jackson,  fearing, 
from  every  thing  he  had  learned,  that  an  attack 
would  be  made,  had  set  out  in  a  boat  from  Mobile, 
to  visit  Fort  Bowyer,  examine  its  situation,  and 
have  such  arrangements  made  as  would  add  to  its 
strength,  and  obtain  that  security  which  its  re-estab- 
Ushmont  had  been  designed  to  effect.  He  had  pro- 
ceeded down  the  bay,  and  arrived  within  a  few 
miles  of  the  place,  when  he  met  an  express  from 
Lawrence,  bringing  intelligence  of  the  enemy's  ar 
rival,  and  requesting  that  assistance  might  be  im- 
mediately sent  to  his  relief.  The  general,  hEistening 
back,  late  at  night,  despatched  a  brig,  with  eighty 
men,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Laval.  Not 
being  able  to  reach  his  point  of  destination  until  the 
next  day,  and  finding  every  place  of  entrance  block- 
ed up  by  the  besiegers,  he  ran  his  brig  to  the  land, 
determined  to  remain  there  until  night,  when,  under 
cover  of  its  darkness,  he  hoped  to  succeed  in  throw- 
ing into  the  fort  himself  and  the  re-enforcement  un- 
der his  command.  The  battle,  however,  having  in 
the  mean  time  commenced,  presented  new  difficul- 
ties, and  restrained  the  execution  of  his  purpose, 
unless  he  should  venture  to  encounter  greater  haz- 
ard than  prudence  seemed  to  sanction.  The  Her- 
nies,  on  being  driven  from  her  anchorage,  had, 
at  the  time  of  her  explosion,  floated  and  grounded 
in  a  direction,  which,  from  the  position  she  occupied, 
placed  her  immediately  in  the  rear  of  the  fort. 
This  circumstance  well  accounted  for  the  mistake 
with  which  he  was  impressed,  and  led  Captain  La- 
\  al   to  suppose  tliat  his  brave  countrymen  had  al] 


UPS   OP  eiNERAL  JACKSON.  I7t 

perished.  Believing  tliey  would  now  attempt  to 
carry  his  vessel,  he  set  sail  for  Mobile,  and  report 
ed  to  the  commanding  general  the  loss.  Jackson 
declared  it  was  impossible  ;  that  he  had  heard  the 
explosion,  and  was  convinced  it  was  on  the  water, 
and  not  on  the  shore.  Perhaps  his  great  anxiety, 
more  than  any  reality,  iiad  constituted  this  refined 
difference  in  sound.  If,  however,  the  disasters  were 
aa  it  was  reported,  his  own  situation  being  thereby 
rendered  precarious,  something  was  necessary  to 
be  done  to  repair  the  loss,  and  regain  a  place  foi 
many  reasons  too  important  to  be  yielded.  His 
principal  fears  were,  lest  the  strength  of  the  enemy 
should  be  greatly  increased,  before  his  expected 
re-enforcements  could  arrive,  who  would  be  enabled 
to  extend  his  inroads,  and  paralyze  the  zeal  of  the 
country.  It  was  not  a  time  for  much  deliberation 
as  to  the  course  most  advisable  to  be  pursued.  He 
determined,  at  all  hazard,  to  retake  the  fort ;  and 
to  that  end  a  general  order  was  issued  for  the  de- 
parture of  the  troops.  Every  thing  was  nearly  in 
readiness,  when  a  despatch  arrived  from  Lawrence, 
proclaiming  the  pleasing  intelligence,  that  all  was 
safe,  and  that  the  enemy,  vanquished,  had  retired. 

The  conduct  displayed  by  the  officers  and  soldieri 
of  this  garrison  is  worthy  to  be  remembered.  With 
troops  wholly  undisciplined,  and  against  an  enemy 
ten  times  more  numerous  than  themselves,  so  fear- 
lessly contending,  is.  a  circumstance  so  flattering) 
that  we  cannot  wish  our  country  better,  than  that 
the  fut-ure  defenders  of  her  honour,  and  violated 
rights,  may  be  as  sensibly  alive  to  their  duty 

The  British  had  now  retired  to  Pensacola,  to  dis- 
pose of  their  wounded,  refit  their  vessels,  and  be 
ready,  aa  soon  as  circumutances  would  pennit,  tc 


180  Lire    OF    QESE&Ah    JACKSON. 

make,  peihaps,  another  descent,  on  some  less  guard 
ed  point.  So  long  as  this,  their  only  place  of  refuge 
on  the  soutliern  coast,  was  left  in  their  possession, 
it  was  impossible  to  calculate  on  the  consequences 
that  might  arise.  The  commanding  general  enter- 
tained a  suspicion  that  this  was  merely  a  feint,  and 
that  the  object  of  their  wishes,  ho  soon  as  a  suffi 
cient  force  should  arrive,  would  be  New  Orleans 
At  this  place  he  believed  his  presence  most  mate- 
rial, to  guard  the  important  passes  to  the  city,  and 
to  concert  some  plan  of  general  defence. 

Jackson  and  his  government  had  ever  viewed 
this  subject  in  very  different  lights :  they  were  not 
willing  to  risk  any  act  which  might  involve  the  pos- 
sibility of  a  contest  with  Spain,  for  the  sake  of  re- 
moving what  they  considered  an  unimportant  griev- 
ance :  he  thought  it  of  more  serious  import,  and 
did  not  believe  it  could  afford  even  a  pretext  for 
rupture  between  the  two  nations.  If  Spain,  through 
her  agents,  gave  assistance  to  our  enemy,  or  en- 
couraged a  power  with  wliom  she  was  at  peace  to 
be  thus  annoyed,  she  deserved  to  be  placed  herself 
on  the  list  of  enemies,  and  treated  accordingly.  If, 
however,  Great  Britam,  taking  advantage  of  the 
defenceless  state  of  her  province,  claimed  to  have 
free  egress,  in  exclusion  of  her  authority,  she  could 
have  no  well-founded  cause  of  complaint  against 
the  injured  power,  which  should  claim  to  hold  it 
until  such  time  as,  by  bringing  a  sufficient  force, 
sne  might  be  in  a  situation  to  support  her  ncutra' 
ity,  and  enforce  obedience.  Upon  either  ground, 
he  believed  it  might  be  sufficiently  justified.  There 
was  one,  however,  on  wiiich  it  could  be  placed, 
where  he  well  knew  notliing  could  result,  beyond 
bi^  own  injury  ;  and  on  tliis  issue  he  was  willing  to 


Un    OP    GENERAL      ACKSON.  18  i 

troat  it  If  any  complaint  should  be  made,  his  gov 
ernment,  having  never  extended  to  him  any  author 
ity,  might,  with  propriety,  disavow  the  act ;  and, 
by  exposing  him  to  punishment,  would  offer  an 
atonement  for  the  outrage ;  and  Spain,  in  justice, 
could  demand  no  more.  The  attack  on  Mobile 
Point  was  a  confirmation  of  his  previous  conjectures, 
as  to  the  views  of  the  enemy  ;  and  from  tliat  mo- 
ment he  determined  to  advance  and  reduce  Pensa 
cola,  throw  a  sufficient  force  into  the  Barrancas, 
hold  them  until  the  principles  of  right  and  neutral- 
ity were  better  respected,  and  rest  the  measure  on 
his  own  responsibility.  Believing  this  the  only 
course  calculated  to  assure  ultimate  security*  he 
aecided  with  firmness,  and  resolved  to  execute  his 
intentions  so  soon  as  General  Coffee  should  arrive, 
with  the  volunteers,  from  Tennessee. 

It  was  now  generally  accredited,  tnat  a  very 
considerable  force  would  shortly  sail  from  England, 
destined  to  act  against  some  part  of  the  United 
States ;  where,  none  could  tell ;  rumour  fixed  its 
destination  for  New  Orleans.  The  importance  of 
this  place  was  well  known  to  our  enemy ;  it  was 
the  key  to  the  entire  commerce  of  the  western 
country.  Had  a  descent  been  made  a  few  months 
before,  it  might  have  been  taken  with  all  imagina- 
ble ease ;  but  the  British  had  indulged  the  belief, 
that  they  could  possess  it  at  any  time,  witho&t  dif- 
ficulty. England  and  France  having  ended  their 
long-pending  controversy,  it  was  presumed  that 
the  French  people  of  Louisiana,  alive  to  tlie  great 
benefits  the  7aiglish  had  conferred  upon  their  na 
live  country, — benefits  that  prostrated  her  liberty 
and  which  have  sunk  her,  perhaps,  in  eternal  sla- 
very,—would,  on  their  first  appearance,  hail  their  dc 


IH2  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON, 

liverers,  and  become  their  vassals.  Independent  of 
this,  they  imagined  the  black  population  would  af 
ford  them  tJie  means  of  exciting  insurrection,  and 
deluging  the  country  in  blood.  Whether  a  resort 
to  this  kind  of  warfare,  which  involves  the  deepest 
wretchedness,  and  equally  exposes  to  ruin  the  in- 
nocent as  the  guilty, — the  female  as  the  soldier,— 
should  be  sanctioned  by  a  nation  professing  a  high 
sense  of  moral  feeling ;  or  whether  a  nation  that 
adopts  such  a  system  merits  countenance  from  the 
civilized  world,  are  questions  on  which  we  should 
not  fear  the  decision  even  of  an  Englishman,  could 
he  but  divest  himself  of  that  animosity  which,  from 
infancy,  he  learns  to  entertain  for  the  Americans. 

The  expected  re-enforceraents  were  announced. 
General  Coffee  with  his  brigade  had  arrived  at  the 
Cut-off,  no*  far  from  Fort  St.  Stephens,  on  the  Mo- 
bile river.  In  addition  to  the  force  with  which  ho 
commenced  his  march,  he  had  been  strengthened 
by  the  arrival  of  otfiers,  who  had  overtaken  him  at 
this  place  ;  so  that  his  whole  number  was  now  about 
twenty-eight  hundred.  To  make  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements for  an  immediate  march,  General  Jack- 
ion,  on  the  26th  day  of  October,  repaired  to  Coffee's 
camp.  A  dependence  on  himself  to  further  the 
objects  of  the  government,  and  the  cause  of  the 
country,  had  been  his  constant  lot  from  the  com- 
mencement of  his  military  career ;  and  a  similar 
resort,  or  failure  to  the  enterprise,  was  now  to  be 
assayed.  Money  was  wanted — the  quarter-masters 
were  destitute  of  funds,  and  the  government  credit 
was  insufficient  to  procure  the  necessary  means  to 
change  the  position  of  an  army:  thus  situated, 
with  his  own  limited  firnds,  and  Joans  effected  on 
bif  respoiuiibility,  he  succeeded  in  carrying  hia 


LIF8    OF  GENERAL   JACKSON.  IS8 

plum  into  effect,  and  in  hastening  his  an  ay  w  the 
place  of  its  destination. 

The  difficulty  of  subsisting  cavalry  on  tne  route 
rendered  it  necessary  that  part  of  the  brigade 
should  proceed  on  foot.  Although  they  had  volun- 
teered in  the  service  as  mounted  men,  and  expected 
tliat  no  different  disposition  would  be  made  of  them, 
yet  they  cheerfully  acquiesced  in  the  order :  and 
one  thousand,  abandoning  their  horses  to  subsist  as 
they  could  on  the  reeds  that  grew  along  the  river 
bottoms,  prepared  to  commence  the  march.  Being 
supplied  with  rations  for  the  trip,  on  the  2d  day 
of  November  the  line  of  march  was  taken  up,  and 
Pensacola  was  reached  on  the  6th.  The  British 
and  Spaniards  had  obtained  intelligence  of  their 
approach  and  intended  attack ;  and  every  thing 
was  in  readiness  to  dispute  their  passage  to  the 
town.  The  forts  were  garrisoned,  and  prepared 
for  resistance ;  batteries  formed  in  the  pnncipal 
streets ;  and  the  British  vessels  moored  withm  the 
bay,  and  so  disposed  as  to  command  the  main  en- 
trances which  led  into  Pensacola. 

The  American  army,  consisting  of  the  greater 
part  of  Coffee's  brigade,  the  regulars,  and  a  few 
Indians,  io  ail  about  three  thousand  men,  had  ar- 
rived within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  this  rallying  point 
for  our  enemies,  and  formed  their  encampment. 
Before  any  final  step  was  taken,  the  general  con- 
cluded to  make  a  further  application  to  the  gov- 
ernor, and  to  learn  of  him  what  course  at  the 
present  moment  he  would  make  it  necessary  for 
nim  to  pursue.  To  take  possession  of  Pensacola, 
and  dislodge  the  British,  was  indispensable  •  to  do 
it  under  such  circumstances,  however,  u  shouli 
impress  the  minds  of  the  Spaniarda  with  a  eonno- 
16 


184  UFB   OP   6ENi::KAL  JACKSON. 

Hon,  that  the  invasion  of  their  territory  wu  a 
meaaure  resorted  to  from  necessity,  not  choicOj 
and  from  no  disposition  to  violate  their  neutra 
rights,  was  believed  to  be  essential.  It  was  ren- 
dered the  more  so,  on  the  part  of  Jackson,  because 
a  measure  of  his  own,  and  not  directed  by  his  gov- 
ernment. Previously,  he  determined  once  more  to 
try  the  effect  of  negotiation,  that  he  might  ascertain 
correctly  how  far  the  governor  felt  disposed  to 
preserve  a  good  understanding  between  the  two 
governments. 

Major  Piere,  of  the  forty-fourth  regiment,  was 
accordingly  despatched  with  a  flag,  to  disclose  the 
objects  intended  to  be  attained  by  the  visit,  and  to 
require  that  the  different  forts,  Barrancas,  St.  Rose, 
and  St  Michael,  should  be  immediately  surren- 
dered, to  be  garrisoned  by  the  United  States,  until 
Spain,  by  furnishing  a  sufficient  force,  might  be 
able  to  protect  the  province,  and  preserve  unim- 
paired her  neutral  «haractor.  He  was  charged  by 
the  general  with  a  candid  statement  of  his  views, 
and  instructed  to  require  of  the  governo?  a  deci- 
sive declaration  of  the  course  intended. 

This  mission  experienced  no  very  favourable  re- 
sult. Major  Piere,  on  approaching  St.  Michael's, 
was  fired  on.  and  compelled  to  return.  Whether 
this  were  done  by  the  Spaniards  themselves,  or  by 
their  allies  and  friends,  was  not  a  material  inquiry 
The  Spanish  flag  was  displayed  on  the  fort,  and 
under  it  the  outrage  was  committed  ;  tliough  it  was 
&  fact  well  ascertained,  that,  untU  the  day  before, 
the  British  flag  had  been  also  associated  :  this,  on 
the  arrival  of  Jackson,  had  been  removed,  and  the 
joloura  of  Spain  left,  which  were  designed  to  afford 
l^tectioo  to  oar  enemies,  and  a  pretext  for  every 


LIFE    OF    e£N£RAL    JACKSOIf.  18^ 

injury  This  conduct,  so  unprovoked,  and  so  di- 
rectly in  opposition  to  the  principles  of  civilized 
warfare,  might  have  well  determined  the  general 
to  abstain  from  further  forbearance,  and  to  proceed 
mimediately  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  views 
but  a  consciousness,  that  although  the  reduction  of 
this  place  was  required  by  circumstances  of  the 
liighest  necessity,  yet,  fearing  it  might  be  blazoned 
to  his  prejudice,  and  particularly  that  it  might  be- 
come a  cause  of  national  difficulty,  he  was  prompted 
to  act  with  every  possible  caution.  Determining, 
therefore,  to  understand  the  governor  fully,  previous- 
ly to  proceeding  to  extremities,  he  again  despatched 
a  letter  to  him,  not  by  any  of  his  officers, — for,  after 
such  perfidy,  he  was  unwilling,  and  felt  it  unsafe,  to 
risk  them, — but  by  a  Spanish  corporal,  who  had  been 
taken  on  the  route  the  day  before.  By  him  it  was 
required  to  be  known,  why  the  former  application 
which  had  been  made,  instead  of  being  met  with  a 
becoming  spirit  of  conciliation,  had  been  insulted. 
In  answer,  he  received  from  the  governor  a  confir 
mation  of  tlie  opinion  he  had  previously  entertained, 
that  what  had  been  done  was  not  properly  chargea- 
ble on  him,  but  the  English ;  that  he  had  no  agency 
in  the  transaction  of  which  he  complained,  and 
assured  him  of  his  perfect  willingness  to  receive 
any  overtures  he  might  be  pleased  to  make.  This 
was  joyful  tidings  ;  and  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in 
meeting  the  offer.  If  negotiation  should  place  in 
his  hands  the  different  fortresses,  before  informa- 
tion of  it  could  be  had  by  the  British  shipping 
lying  in  the  bay,  the  outward  chaniiel  would  be 
effectually  stopped,  and  the  means  of  their  escape 
entirely  cut  off.  Major  Piere  was  sent  off,  at  a 
late  hour  of  the  light,  to  detail  to  the  governor  the 


ii$  UFI  OP  OimiKAL   lACESOll. 

roMOiM  wkick  had  rendered  the  prevent  deecent 
proper;  and  to  insist  on  the  conditions  already 
noticed,  as  alone  calculated  to  assure  safety  to  the 
United  States,  and  give  protection  to  the  provinces 
of  Florida.  He  was  particularly  instructed  to  im- 
press on  his  consideration  the  most  friendly  senti- 
ments, and  to  assure  him  that  a  re-surrender  would 
be  made  so  soon  as  Spain,  by  the  arrival  of  a  suf- 
ficient force,  could  protect  her  territory  from  the 
inroads  of  a  power  at  war  with  the  United  States ; 
and  which,  through  an  opening  thus  afforded  to  a 
violation  of  the  neutrality  of  Spain,  was  enabled) 
and  had  already  done  her  considerable  injury.  In 
his  communication  to  the  governor,  he  remarks,  "  1 
come  not  as  the  enemy  of  Spain ;  not  to  make  war, 
but  to  ask  for  peace ;  to  demand  security  for  my 
country,  and  that  respect  to  which  she  is  entitled, 
and  must  receive.  My  force  is  sufficient,  and  m} 
determination  taken,  to  prevent  a  future  repetitioo 
of  the  injuries  she  has  received.  I  demand,  there 
fore,  the  possession  of  the  Barrancas,  and  other  for 
tifications,  with  all  your  munitions  of  war.  If  de 
livered  peaceably,  the  whole  will  be  receipted  for» 
and  become  the  subject  of  future  arrangement  by 
our  respective  governments ;  while  the  property, 
laws,  and  religion  of  your  citizens  shall  be  respect- 
ed. But  if  taken  by  an  appeal  to  arms,  let  the  blood 
of  your  subjects  be  upon  your  own  head.  I  will  not 
hold  myself  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  my  ei: 
raged  soldiers.  One  hour  is  given  you  for  delib 
eration.  when  your  determination  must  be  had.** 

The  council  was  called,  and  tlie  propositions  made 
considered,  when  the  conclusion  was  taken  U^a 
tney  could  not  be  acceded  to.  As  soon  a^  the  an- 
swer  was  received.  Bhowintr  that  nothina  neaceablv 


UFI   OW  OENIRAL   JACE«OI|.  li^ 

conld  be  effected,  Jackaon  resolved  to  urge  hii  irmv 
forward ;  and,  immediately  commencing  his  march, 
proceeded  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  object,  de- 
termined to  effect  it,  in  despite  of  consequences. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  the  army  was 
in  motion.  To  foster  the  idea,  that  he  would  march 
and  reach  the  town  along  the  road  on  which  he  was 
encamped,  a  detachment  of  five  hundred  men  was 
sent  forward,  with  orders  to  show  themselves  in  this 
direction,  that  they  might  deceive  the  enemy  ;  while, 
urging  rapidly  on,  with  the  strength  of  his  army, 
he  was  gaining  Pensacola  at  a  different  point.  This 
stratagem  succeeded :  the  British,  looking  for  his 
appearance  where  the  detachment  was  seen,  had 
formed  their  vessels  across  the  bay,  and  were  wait- 
ing his  approach,  with  their  guns  properly  bearing : 
nor  had  they  an  intimation  to  the  contrary,  until  our 
troops  were  descried  upon  the  beach^  on  the  east 
side,  where  they  were  at  too  great  a  distance  to  be 
annoyed  from  the  flotilla ;  and  whence,  pushing  for- 
ward, they  were  presently  in  the  streets,  and  under 
cover  of  the  houses. 

One  company,  from  the  third  regiment  of  infan- 
try, with  two  field  pieces,  formed  the  advance,  led 
by  Captain  Laval,  whvi  fell,  severely  wounded,  while, 
at  the  head  of  his  command,  he  was  charging  a 
Spanish  battery,  formed  in  the  street.  The  left,  col- 
umn, composed  of  the  regular  troops,  the  third, 
thirty-ninH.i,  and  forty-fourth  regiments,  headed  by 
Majors  Woodruff  and  Piere,  formed  the  left,  next 
che  bay.  The  dismounted  volunteers  proceeded 
down  the  street,  next  the  regulars :  Coffee's  brig- 
ade next,  on  their  right :  the  Mississippi  dragoons, 
commanded  by  Colonel  Hindi,  and  the  Choctaw  In 
dians  by  Major  Blue,  of  the  thirty-ninth,  advanced 
16* 


188  Lira  or  gbneral  jackjon 

on  the  extreme  right  of  all.  Captain  Laval's  party, 
although  deprived  of  their  leader,  moved  forward, 
and,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  took  possession  of 
the  battery  in  their  front.  So  quickly  was  this  ef- 
fected, that  the  Spaniards  had  it  in  their  power  to 
make  but  three  fires,  before  they  were  forced  to 
abandon  it.  From  behind  the  houses  and  garden 
fences  were  constant  volleys  of  musketry  discharg- 
ed, until  the  regulars,  arriving,  met  the  Spaniards, 
and  drove  them  from  their  positions.  The  gover- 
nor, trembling  for  the  safety  of  his  city,  and  remem- 
bering the  declaration  of  the  general,  that,  if  driven 
to  extremes,  he  should  not  hold  himself  responsi- 
ole  for  his  enraged  soldiers,  hastened,  bearing  a  flag 
In  his  hand,  to  find  the  commander  to  stay  the  car- 
nage. He  was  met  by  Colonels  Williamson  and 
Smith,  at  the  head  of  the  dismounted  troops,  when, 
with  faltering  speech,  he  entreated  that  mercy  might- 
be  extended,  and  promised  to  consent  to  whatevei 
terms  might  be  dema'nded  of  him. 

General  Jackson  had  stopped  for  a  moment  at 
tlie  place  where  Laval  had  fallen,  and  was  at  this 
time  in  the  rear.  Receiving  information  thai  an 
offer  had  been  made  by  the  governor  to  comply 
with  every  demand  heretofore  made  on  him,  he  has- 
tened to  the  intendant  house,  and  obtained  a  confir 
mation  of  what  had  previously  been  communicated 
10  him,  that  the  town  arsenals,  and  munitions  of 
war,  and  in  fact  whatever  was  required,  should  im- 
niediutely  be  surrendered. 

Tiie  British  vessels  remained  in  the  bay :  with 
the  aid  of  their  boats,  by  which  a  nearer  situation 
was  obtained,  they  continued  to  fire  upon  our  troops, 
as,  passing  along  the  principal  streets,  they  could 
{jet  them  in  the  range  of  their  guns.     Lieutenant 


Un   OP   GENERAL    JACKSON.  189 

Call,  perceiving  some  of  their  boats  attempting  to 
occupy  a  more  advantageous  position,  advanced  to 
tlie  beach  with  a  single  piece  of  artillery,  where, 
suddenly  unmasking  himself  from  a  hill,  uncovered, 
he  commenced  a  brisk  and  well-aimed  fire,  which 
drove  them  back  to  a  respectful  distance. 

No  time  was  lost  by  General  Jackson  in  procur- 
ing what  was  considered  by  him  of  vital  impor- 
tance— the  surrender  of  the  forts.  Although  great- 
er benefits  would  have  been  derived,  had  the  suc- 
cess of  negotiation  placed  them  privately  in  his 
hands,  without  its  being  previously  known  to  his 
enemies,  yet  even  now  their  possession  was  not  to 
be  neglected.  Their  occupancy  was  necessary 
still  to  his  own  security — to  check  any  design  that 
might  be  in  agitation.  What  was  the  force  oppos- 
ed to  him,  at  what  moment  re-enforcements  might 
appear  off  Pensacola,  and  thereby  give  an  entire 
change  to  things,  as  they  at  present  existed,  were 
matters  of  which  no  certain  idea  could  be  formed. 
To  possess  the  Barrancas  was  a  consideration  of 
the  first  importance  ;  still,  until  the  town  and  its 
fortresses  were  secured,  it  was  improper  to  with- 
draw the  army. 

Notwithstanding  the  assurances  given  by  the  gov- 
ernor, that  all  differences  would  be  accommodated, 
and  every  thing  insisted  on  agreed  to,  Fort  St.  Mi- 
chael was  still  withheld.  Captain  Dinkins  was  or- 
dered to  take  post  on  Mount  St.  Bernard,  form  his 
batteries,  and  reduce  it.  He  was  in  a  situation  to 
act,  when  the  commandant,  Colonel  Sotto,  ordered 
his  flag  taken  down,  and  the  fort  to  be  surrendered. 

It  is  curious  to  observe  the  treachery  of  the 
Spaniards,  and  the  unpardonable  method  they  took 
to  indulge  their  spleen.     Previously  to  striking  hif 


IfO 


LIFB    A**    GENERAL   lACt,    OH. 


coiOurs,  the  commandant  at  St.  Michikcl  had  uked 
permission  to  discharge  his  guns  ;  to  this  there 
could  be  no  objection,  and  the  iudulgence  was  readi- 
ly extended  ;  but,  faithless  and  cowardly,  be  level- 
led and  fired  his  pieces,  charged  with  grape,  at  a 
party  of  dragoons  and  Choctaw  Indians,  who  were 
at  a  small  distance,  which  killed  three  horses  and 
wounded  two  men.  Such  unpardonable  conduct, 
independent  of  other  injuries  already  noticed,  might 
have  justified  any  treatment ;  the  destruction  of  the 
garrison  would  not  have  been  an  unmerited  chas- 
tisement. The  general  was  on  his  way  to  Mount 
Bt.  Bernard,  where  his  artillery  was  planted,  when 
ae  received  intelligence  of  what  had  been  done. 
He  determined  no  longer  to  confide  in  persons  so 
faithless,  and  whose  only  object  seemed  to  deceive, 
but  at  once  to  make  the  sword  the  arbiter  between 
them.  His  cannon  were  already  turned  towards 
the  fort,  the  resolution  taken  to  batter  it  down, 
when  it  was  announced,  by  the  ofiicer  he  had  \et\ 
in  command  at  Pensacola,  that  the  capitulation  had 
been  agreed  on,  and  a  surrender  would  be  made  in 
half  an  hour.  Sensible  of  the  delicate  situation  in 
which  he  was  placed,  he  forbore  to  obey  that  un- 
pulse  their  unwarrantable  conduct  had  so  justly  ex- 
cited and  forthwith  despatched  Captain  Dinkins  to 
insist  on  an  immediate  delivery ;  at  the  same  time 
giving  him  directions  to  carry  it  by  storm  if  the  de- 
mand was  not  instantly  complied  with. 

Difficulties  promised  thus  peaceably  to  terminate 
The  day  was  far  spent,  and  the  general  greatly  in- 
disposed ;  until  the  next  morning,  no  step  could  be 
taken  to  obtain  possession  of  the  Barrancas.  On 
the  credit  of  Uie  governor's  promises,  made  first  on 
r  entrance  into  the  town,  the  principal  part  of 


UFB   or   GENERAL  JACKSON.  191 

the  anny  had  heen  ordered  a  »hcrt  distanc  out. 
Understanding,  at  St,  Bernard,  that  what  had  been 
required  would  be  done,  and  that  no  fiirtliei  deiay 
would  be  met,  the  general  had  set  out  to  t.ie  en- 
campment, leaving  Major  Piere  behind,  with  a  suf- 
ficient force  to  preserve  every  thing  in  safety  and 
quietness.  He  was  astonished,  early  in  tho  morn- 
ing, to  learn,  that  the  officer  despatched  to  St.  Mi- 
chael, the  preceding  evening,  had,  on  his  arrival, 
been  threatened  to  be  fired  on  by  Colonel  Sotto ; 
who,  however,  yielded  possession,  on  being  made  to 
understand,  that,  if  the  fort  were  not  delivered  ip- 
stantly,  it  would  be  carried  forcibly,  and  the  garn- 
8011  put  to  the  sword.  A  capitulation  was  now 
agreed  on  :  Pensacola  and  the  different  fortresses 
were  to  be  retained,  until  Spain  could  better  main- 
tain her  authority  ;  while  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  her  citizens  were  to  be  respected. 

Every  thing  was  in  readiness,  on  the  following 
day,  to  take  possession  of  Barrancas  Fort.  The 
faithless  conduct  of  yesterday  had  determined  Jack- 
son on  the  executioa  of  his  plans  ;  nor  longer  to 
ooniide  in  Spaniards'  promises,  but,  on  reaching  the 
place,  to  carry  it  by  force,  if  it  were  not  immediate- 
ly surrendered.  Major  Piere  was  ordered  to  give 
the  command  of  the  city  to  Colonel  Hayne,  and  re- 
port hmiself  at  camp,  to  accompany  him  on  the 
march ;  previously,  however,  to  retiring,  to  require 
of  the  governor  to  execute  an  authority  to  the  com- 
mandant of  the  fort,  to  deliver  it ;  and,  in  the  event 
he  would  not  comply  immediately,  to  arrest  him,  and 
every  public  officer,  and  hold  tliem  as  prisoners 
The  order  for  its  delivery  had  been  signed,  and  the 
line  of  march  ready  to  be  taken  up,  to  receive  it 
peiceably,  if  the  order  would  effect  it,  forcibly,  ii 


IM  Lira   OF   GENERAL  JACKBOPf. 

not,  when  a  tremendous  explosion  in  that  direction, 
followed  by  two  others,  in  quick  succession,  excited 
the  apprehension  that  all  was  destroyed.  To  as- 
certain, certainly,  whence  the  noise  had  proceeded. 
Major  Gales,  a  volunteer  aid,  was  despatched,  with 
two  hundred  men,  to  obtain  inteUigence.  He  pres^ 
ently  returned,  and  confirmed  what  had  been  pre- 
viously apprehended,  that  the  fort  was  blown  up, 
and  that  the  British  shipping  had  retired  from  th? 
bay. 

Although  repairing  this  place  might  be  produc- 
tive of  numerous  advantages,  yet,  as  the  act  was 
unauthorized  by  his  government,  Jackson  felt  him- 
self restrained  from  incurring  any  expense  for  the 
re-establishment  of  what  had  been  thus  treacher- 
ously destroyed.  Though  disappointed  in  the  ob- 
iect  he  had  in  view,  he  believed  that  some  of  the 
benefits  expected  would  result.  This  strong  hold, 
which  had  so  long  given  protection  to  the  southern 
hostile  savages,  and  where  they  had  been  excited 
to  acts  of  cruelty,  was  assailed,  and  the  Indiana 
taught  that  even  here  safety  was  not  to  be  found. 
The  valour  of  his  troops  had  impressed  on  the  minds 
of  the  Spaniards  a  respect  for  the  character  of  his 
country,  which,  hitherto,  they  had  not  entertained  ; 
and  the  British,  by  being  dislodged,  were  prevent- 
ed from  maturing  those  plans,  which  were  to  give 
efficacy  to  their  future  operations  against  the  south- 
ern section  of  the  Union  :  but,  as  the  means  of 
oiaintaining  and  defending  it  were  destroyed,  it  was 
unnecessary  to  think  of  attempting  to  hold  it  It 
was  accordingly  concluded  to  re-deliver  all  tha:  had 
been  surrendered,  and  retire  to  Port  Montgomery. 
Jnckson  was  the  more  disposed  to  adopt  this  course 
(Vom  a  belief  that  the  British  who  bad  sailed  out  of 


UPB  or  OBNffiUL  lACKsoir.  Ids 

the  bay,  would  probably  mab^  their  way  to  Port 
Bowyer,  and,  with  a  knowledge  of  the  principal 
strength  of  the  army  bei^.^g  away,  seek  to  aim  a 
blow  somewhere  on  the  Mot  ile.  An  express  was 
immediately  hastened  to  Colonel  Sparks,  who  had 
toeen  left  in  command  at  this  place,  announcing  what 
nad  trtnspireJ,  suggesting  apprehensions  for  his 
safety,  and  notifying  him,  in  the  event  of  an  attack, 
to  endeavour  to  parry  the  danger  until  the  regular 
troops  should  arrive  to  support  him. 

Two  days  after  entering  the  town,  he  abandoned 
lU  Previously  to  retiring,  he  wrote  to  Governor 
Manrequez;  and,  after  stating  to  him  the  causes 
which  had  induced  him,  justifiably,  as  he  believed, 
to  enter  his  territory,  he  thus  concluded  :  "  As  the 
Barrancas  and  the  adjacent  fortresses  have  been 
surrendered  to  and  blown  up  by  the  British,  con- 
trary to  the  good  faith  I  had  reposed  in  your  prom- 
ises, it  is  out  of  my  power  to  guard  your  neutrali- 
ty, as  otherwise  I  should  have  done.  The  enemy 
has  retreated ;  the  hostile  Creeks  have  fled  for  safe- 
ty to  the  forest ;  and  I  now  retire  from  your  town, 
leaving  you  to  re-occupy  your  forts,  and  protect  the 
rights  of  your  citizens." 

Our  loss  in  this  expedition  was  quite  inconsider- 
able. The  left  column  alone  met  resistance,  and 
had  fifteen  or  twenty  wounded — none  killed.  It 
appears  strange,  that  three  heavy  pieces  of  artille- 
ry, charged  with  grape  and  canister,  and  three  times 
fired  against  a  column  advancing  through  a  nar- 
row street,  should  not  have  eflTected  greater  m- 
jury.  Of  the  number  wounded  was  Lieutenant 
Flournoy,  a  promising  young  man,  who,  having  gone 
out  as  a  volunteer,  was,  on  account  of  hi«  merit, 
promoted  to  a  lieutenancy  in  the  forty-fourth  Unit3d 


194  UFK   OF   OENBRAL  JACKSON. 

States*  regiment  By  a  cannon  shot  he  lott  hU  \eg. 
Captain  Laval,  being  too  dangerously  injured  to  be 
removed,  was  confided  by  the  general  to  the  clem- 
ency of  the  governor  of  Pensacola,  who  humanely 
gave  him  that  attention  his  situation  reqliired. 

The  Indian  warriors,  who  had  taken  refuge  in 
Pensacola,  finding  themselves  abandoned  by  the 
British,  fled  across  the  country,  and  sought  safety 
on  the  Appalachicola :  many  were  afforded  shelter 
on  board  the  shipping,  from  which  they  were  short- 
ly afterwards  landed,  to  prosecute  the  war  in  their 
own  way.  Jackson  determined  they  should  have 
no  respite  from  danger,  so  long  as  a  warlike  atti- 
tude was  preserved.  Recent  events  had  shown 
them,  that  neither  the  valour  of  their  allies,  nor 
their  own  exertions,  could  afford  them  protection. 
He  believed  it  an  auspicious  moment  to  pursue  them 
m  their  retreat ;  increase  still  further  their  appre- 
hensions ;  and  effectually  cut  up  that  misplaced  con- 
"idence,  which  had  already  well  nigh  proved  their 
ruin.  Understanding  that  those  who  had  been  car- 
ried off  from  Pensacola  had  been  landed  on  the  Ap- 
palachicola, and  a  depot  of  all  necessary  supplies 
there  established,  Major  Blue,  of  the  thirty-ninth 
regiment,  was  sent  off,  on  the  16th,  at  the  head  of 
a  thousand  mounted  men,  with  orders  to  follow,  and 
destroy  any  of  their  villages  he  might  find  on  his 
route.  General  M'Intosh,  of  the  Georgia  militia, 
then  in  the  Creek  country,  was  apprized  of  the  des- 
tination, and  directed  to  co-operate,  that  the  sav- 
ages might  be  dispersed,  before  they  should  have 
it  in  their  power  to  attempt  hostilities  against  the 
frontiers.  Having  effected  this  object,  they  were 
ordered  to  repair  to  Mobile,  to  aid  in  its  c  efence. 


Un   or   eiNIRAL   lACKiOK.  Iti 

Shortly  after  the  American  army  had  retired,  the 
Spaniards  commenced  rebuilding  Forts  Barrancas 
and  St.  Rose.  Anxious  to  regam  that  confidence 
they  had  justly  forfeited,  the  British  offered  their 
services  to  assist  in  the  re -establishment.  This  of- 
fer was  refused,  and  an  answer  returned  by  the 
governor,  that,  when  assistance  was  in  fact  needed, 
he  would  make  application  to  hia  friend  General 
Jackson. 

There  was  nothing  now  so  much  desired  by  the 
general,  as  to  be  able  to  depart  for  New  Orleans 
where  he  apprehended  the  greatest  danger.  He 
had  already  effected  a  partial  security  for  Mobile, 
and  the  inhabitants  on  its  borders  ;  and  such  as  he 
believed  might  be  preserved,  by  proper  vigilance  in 
those  who  were  left  in  command.  He  determined 
to  set  out  on  the  22d  for  the  Mississippi ;  and,  by 
his  exertions,  seek  to  place  the  country  in  such 
a  situation  for  defence  as  the  means  within  his 
reach  would  permit.  His  health  was  still  delicate 
which  almost  wholly  unfitted' him  for  the  duties  he 
had  to  encounter ;  but  his  constant  expectation  of  a 
large  force  appearing  soon  on  the  coast  impelled 
him  to  action.  Added  to  the  fatigues  incident  to 
his  station,  he  as  yet  had  no  brigadier-general  in  his 
district  to  relieve  him  of  many  of  those  duties  which 
he  had  neither  time  nor  bodily  strength  to  meet 
General  Winchester  had  been  ordered  to  join 
him.  He  had  not  yet  arrived,  but. was  daily  look- 
ed for.  In  expectation  of  his  approach,  Jackson 
was  making  every  necessary  arrangement  for  in- 
vesting him  with  the  command  of  Mobile,  and  for 
his  own  departure.  Colonel  Hayne,  the  inspector- 
general,  was  despatched  to  the  mouth  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, to  examine  whether  in  that  direction  there 
17 


194  ura  OP  aiNiKAL  iackmmi. 

were  any  eligible  eite,  where,  by  erecting  batter- 
ies, the  river  might  be  commanded,  and  an  accent 
prevented,  if  through  this  route  attempted.  Gene- 
ral Coffee  and  Colonel  Hinds,  with  the  dragoons 
from  the  territory,  were  ordered  to  march  with  their 
commands,  and  take  a  position  as  convenient  to 
New  Orleans  as  they  could  obtain  a  sufficiency  of 
forage  to  recruit  their  horses.  Every  thing  bemg 
arranged,  and  intelligence  received  that  General 
Winchester  had  reached  the  Alabama  river,  Jack- 
son, on  the  22d  day  of  November,  left  Mobile  for 
the  city  of  New  Orleans,  where  he  arrived  on  the 
1st  of  December;  and  where  his  head-quarters 
were,  fo^  the  present,  established. 


UTB   OF   GENERAL      ACKSOlf.  197 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

heiksoi^s  correspondence  tmth  the  governor  of  Louisiana.  -His 
aadress  to  the  citizens. — Militia  pom  Tennessee  and  Kentiu:k% 
advance ;  and  general  plans  adopted  for  defence.-^Phm  for  Jill 
ing  delinqt/encies  in  the  army. — Biitish  shipjnng  anHve  on  ih.e 
coast. — Loss  of  t'lie  Sea  Horse. — Battle  on  the  lake,  and  loss  Oj 
the  gun-boats. — Jackson  reviews  the  militia. — His  address  to 
them. — Detention  of  his  fag. — Anecdote. — Expresses  sent  to 
Otnerils  Cofee  and  Carrou. — Declaration  of  martial  law  ai 
New  Orleans. —  The  Bi-itish  effect  a  landing,  and  Jackson  pre- 
pares to  meet  them. 

General  Jackson  was  now  on  a  new  theatre :  the 
time  had  arrived  to  call  forth  all  his  energies.  His 
military  career,  from  its  commencement,  had  been 
obstructed,  but  far  greater  difficulties  were  now  ris- 
ing. His  body  worn  down  by  exhaustion,  with  a  mind 
alive  to  the  apprehension,  that  the  means  given  him 
would  not  satisfy  his  own  wishes  and  the  expects 
tions  of  his  country,  were  circumstances  calculated 
to  depress  him.  He  was  without  sufficient  strength 
or  preparation  to  attempt  successful  opposition 
against  well-trained  troops,  which  were  expected 
at  some  unprepared  point. 

Louisiana,  he  well  knew,  was  ill  supplied  with 
arms,  and  contained  a  mixed  population,  of  different 
tongues,  who,  perhaps,  felt  not  a  sufficient  attach- 
ment for  the  soil  or  government,  to  be  mduced  to 
defend  them.  No  troops,  arms  or  ammunition  had 
yet  descended  from  the  states  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee.  His  only  reliance  for  defence,  if  sud- 
denly assailed,  was  on  a  few  regulars,  the  volun- 
teers of  General  Coffee,  and  such  troops  as  th« 
itete  could  furnish.     What  might  be  the  final  re 


198  LUn   OP  GENERAL   JACKSON. 

•ult  of  things  was  not  a  matter  difficult  to  conjee 
ture.  His  principal  fears  at  present  were,  that 
Mobile  might  fall,  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi 
be  gained,  all  communication  with  the  western  states 
cut  off,  and  New  Orleans  be  thus  unavoidably  re- 
duced. Although  agitated  by  such  forebodings,  he 
breathed  his  fears  to  none.  Closely  locking  alj 
apprehensions  in  his  owTn  breast,  he  appeared  con- 
i>tantly  serene,  and  as  constantly  endeavoured  to 
impress  a  general  belief,  that  the  country  could  and 
would  be  defended. 

While  engaged  in  his  operations  on  the  Mobile, 
and  even  while  at  Fort  Jackson,  he  had  kept  up  a 
correspondence  with  the  governor  of  Louisiana, 
urging  him  to  the  adoption  of  such  measures  as 
might  give  security  to  the  state.  From  his  informa- 
tion, he  felt  assured,  that  little  reliance  was  to  be 
placed  on  the  great  body  of  the  citizens ;  and  that, 
to  gain  any  decisive  advantages  from  their  services, 
it  would  be  necessary  to  abandon  temporizing  pol- 
icy, and  pursue  a  course  steady  and  unwavering. 
Many  of  the  inhabitants  indulging  a  belief  that 
Florida  would  be  restored  to  Spain,  had  led  welj 
designing  men  astray;  while  Englishmen,  Span- 
iards, and  other  foreigners,  feeling  no  attachment  to 
the  government  under  which  they  lived,  were  ready 
to  surrender  it  to  any  power.  The  requisition 
made  had  been  badly  filled ;  many  had  refused,  af- 
ter being  drafted,  to  enter  the  ranks.  At  so  event- 
ful a  crisis,  it  was  painful  to  discover  so  great  a 
want  of  union,  and  disregard  of  duty 

Governor  Claiborne  had  been  addressed  on  this 
subject:  "I  regret,"  said  Jackson,  "  to  hear  of  the 
discontents  of  your  people:  they  must  not  exist. 
Whoever  is  not  for  us,  is  against  uj.    Those  who  are 


Uri  or  GENERAL   MCKEON.  IfS 

drafted  miMt  be  compelled  to  the  ranks,  or  puniih 
ed :  it  if  no  time  to  balance :  the  country  miut  be 
defended ;  and  he  who  refuses  to  aid,  when  called 
on,  must  be  treated  with  severity.  To  repel  the 
danger  with  which  we  are  assailed,  requires  all 
our  energies,  and  all  our  exertions.  With  union 
on  our  side,  we  shall  be  able  to  drive  our  invaders 
back  to  the  ocean.  Summon  all  your  energy,  and 
guard  every  avenue  with  confidential  patroles,  for 
spies  and  traitors  are  swarming  around.  Numbers 
will  be  flocking  to  your  city,  to  gain  information, 
and  corrupt  your  citizens.  Every  aid  in  your  power 
must  be  given  to  prevent  vessels  sailing  with  pro- 
visions. By  us  the  enemy  must  not  be  fed.  Let 
none  pass ;  for  on  this  will  depend  our  safety,  until 
we  can  get  a  competent  force  in  the  field,  to  oppose 
attack,  or  to  become  the  assailants.  We  have  more 
to  dread  from  intestine,  than  open  and  avowed  ene- 
mies: but  vigilance  on  our  side,  and  all  will  be 
safe.  Remember,  our  watch  word  is  victory  or 
deatli.  Our  country  must  and  shall  be  defended. 
We  will  enjoy  our  liberty,  or  perish  in  the  laal 
ditch." 

He  forwarded  an  address  to  the  people  of  Louisi 
ana,  to  excite  them  to  a  defence  of  their  rights  and 
Uberties,  and  to  raise  in  their  minds  an  abhorrence 
of  an  enemy.  He  pointed  out  the  course  the  pres- 
ent crisis  required  them  to  adopt,  and  entreated 
them  not  to  be  lured  from  their  fidelity. 

"  Your  government,  Louisianians,  is  engaged  in 
a  just  and  honourable  contest,  for  the  security  of 
your  individual,  and  her  national  rights.  The  only 
country  on  earth,  where  man  enjoys  freedom,  where 
ito  ble88iag<3  are  alike  extended  to  the  poor  and 
17* 


iOO  uni  or  oenebal  iackson. 

neb,  calls  on  you  to  protect  her  f)rom  the  gnap'mg 
usurpation  of  Britain: — she  will  not  call  in  vain 
I  know  that  every  man,  whose  bosom  beats  high  at 
the  proud  title  of  freeman,  will  promptly  obey  her 
voice,  and  rally  round  the  eagles  of  his  country 
resolved  to  rescue  her  from  impending  danger,  or 
nobly  to  die  in  her  defence.  He  who  refuses  to 
defend  his  rights,  when  called  on  by  his  govern- 
ment, deserves  to  be  a  slave — deserves  to  be 
punished  as  an  enemy  to  his  country — a  friend  to 
her  foes.*^ 

The  people  of  Louisiana  were  gradually  turned 
to  consider  the  contest,  in  which  it  was  expected 
they  were  to  be  engaged,  that  they  might  be  pre- 
pared to  meet  it,  when  necessary.  Preparations 
for  collecting,  in  sufficient  strength,  to  repel  an  in- 
vasion, when  it  should  be  attempted,  had  been  car- 
ried actively  forward.  The  fiat  of  the  secretary 
of  war  had  been  issued  to  the  governors  of  the  ad- 
joming  states ;  and  'Jackson  had  long  since  anx- 
iously pressed  them  to  hasten  the  execution  of  the 
order,  and  push  their  forces  to  the  place  of  danger 
The  ardour  felt  by  the  governor  of  Tennessee 
rendered  any  incentive  unnecessary.  He  was  well 
aware  of  the  importance  of  activity,  and  had  used 
all  the  authority  of  his  office  to  call  the  requisition 
forth,  and  have  it  in  readiness. 

Governor  Shelby,  of  Kentucky,  had  been  no  lest 
vigilant.  The  necessity  of  despatch  in  military 
matters,  and  the  advantages  resulting  from  it,  in  his 
youth  and  more  advanced  age,  he  had  learned  in 
the  field  of  battle.  The  troops  from  his  state  were 
immediately  organized,  placed  under  the  com> 
■MUid  of  Major-General  Thomas,  and  directed  ^ 


LIFE    or    UEMfiRAL    JACKSON.  20 1 

proceed  down  the  Ohio.*  It  may  be  esteen  ed  a 
circumstance  of  good  fortune,  that  Shelby  should 
have  been  the  chief  magistrate  of  Kentucky  ;  a 
state  possessing  ample  resources,  and  which  might 
have  slumbered  in  inaction,  but  for  the  energy  of 
him.  He  did  not  remain  contented  with  a  dis- 
charge merely  of  those  duties  which  were  imposed 
on  him  by  his  office ;  but,  feeling  the  ardour  of  his 
youth  revived,  excited  his  citizens,  and  inspirited 
them  by  his  own  example.  The  promptitude  with 
which  they  crowded  to  the  American  standard,  at 
tlie  first  danger,  enduring  cold,  hunger,  and  privu- 
tion,  should  be  remembered,  and  entitle  her  citizens 
to  the  gratitude  of  the  country. 

William  Carroll,  who,  on  the  promotion  of  Jack 
son  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  had  been  ap- 
pointed a  major-general  of  Tennessee  militia,  was 
to  command  the  requisition  intended  to  be  marched 
from  the  state.  He  had  issued  orders  to  his  divi- 
sion, and,  on  the  19th  of  November,  twenty-five 
hundred  of  the  yeomanry  of  the  state  appeared  at 
Nashville,  and,  in  eight  days,  embarked  on  board 
their  boats  for  New  Orleans.  To  the  industry  of 
General  Carroll  every  respect  is  due  ;  for,  to  his 
fortunate  arrival,  as  will  be  seen  hereafter,  is  to  be 
attributed  the  reason  that  success  did  not  result  to 
the  enemy,  in  his  first  assault,  or  that  Louisiana 
escaped  the  impending  danger. 

The    militia,   now   organized,  from   two   states, 
were  respectable  for  their  numbers,  and  were  com- 

*  VVben  this  requisition  was  ready  to  proceed,  the  state  of  th« 
qjarter-master's  department  was  discovered  to  be  wholly  made 
quate  to  those  outfits  and  supplies  necessary  to  its  departure 
Thus  situated,  individuals  of  me  state  came  forward,  pled^ 
I'joir  funds,  and  enabled  it  to  aulvance 


SC'S  urn  of  general  jacksom. 

manded  bj  officers  who  carried  with  them  entir6 
confidence  In  bravery,  they  were  not  surpasted  i 
yet  they  were  without  experience  or  discipline,  and 
indifferently  armed.  Many  had  procured  rauaketa 
and  bayonets  ;  though  the  greater  part  of  them  had 
arms  capable  of  rendering  little  or  no  service ; 
while  some  had  none  at  all.  To  remedy  their  want 
of  discipline  was  attended  with  some  difficulty,  on 
account  of  the  slender  means  afforded  for  instruc- 
tion, while,  in  boats,  they  were  descending  the  river. 
Carroll's  anxiety,  however,  for  the  respectable  ap- 
pearance of  his  troops,  and  a  still  stronger  desire 
entertained,  that  they  might  be  in  a  situation  for 
immediate  action,  if  necessity,  on  his  arrival,  should 
require  it,  led  him  to  seize  even  on  the  limited 
opportunities  for  improvement. 

Although  General  Jackson  had  obtained  his  sue 
cesses  heretofore  with  troops  of  this  description,  yet 
he  was  far  from  entertaining  a  belief  they  could  be 
relied  on  for  manoBuvring  in  an  open  field,  against 
troops  inured  to  war.  None  knew  better  the  point  of 
exertion  -to  which  militia  could  be  strained.  In  a 
letter  to  the  secretary  of  war,  of  the  20th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1814,  he  observes,  "  Permit  me  to  suggest  a 
plan,  which,  on  a  fair  experiment,  will  do  away  or 
lessen  the  expenses,  under  the  existing  mode  of  call- 
ing militia  forces  into  the  field.  Whenever  there 
happens  to  be  a  deficiency  in  the  regular  force,  in 
any  particular  quarter,  let  the  government  determine 
on  the  necessary  number:  this  should  be  apportioned 
aiEong  the  different  states,  agreeably  to  their  respec- 
ti/e  representations,  and  called  into  service  for,  and 
liuring  the  war.  The  quota  wanted  will,  in  my 
opinion,  be  soon  raised  from  premiums  offered  by 
tboae  who  are  aubject  to  militia  duty,  rather  than  be 


Ufl    op   GENERAL   JACKSON  208 

hiraMed  by  repeated  drafts.  In  the  mean  time.  Int 
the  present  bounty,  given  by  the  government,  be  also 
continued.  If  this  be  done,  I  will  ensure  that  an 
effective  force  shall  soon  appear  in  every  quarter, 
amply  sufficient  for  the  reduction  of  Canada,  and 
to  drive  all  our  enemies  from  our  shores." 

Such  were  the  course  of  things,  and  such  the 
plans  in  progress  for  the  safety  of  the  country, 
when  the  general  reached  New  Orleans. 

The  legislature  of  Louisiana  had  for  some  weeks 
been  in  session ;  and,  through  the  governor's  com- 
munication, informed  of  the  situation,  condition  and 
strength  of  the  country,  and  of  the  necessity  of 
calling  all  its  resources  into  operation ;  but,  balanc- 
ing in  their  decisions,  and  uncertain  of  the  best 
course  to  be  pursued,  they,  as  yet,  had  resolved 
upon  nothing.  The  arrival  of  Jackson,  however, 
produced  a  new  aspect  in  affairs.  His  activity  in 
preparation,  and  his  reputation  as  a  brave  and  skil- 
ful commander,  had  turned  all  eyes  towards  him, 
and  inspired  even  the  desponding  with  confidence. 

The  volunteer  corps  of  the  city  were  reviewed, 
and  a  visit,  in  person,  made  to  the  different  forts, 
to  ascertain  their  capacity  for  defence,  and  the  re- 
liance that  might  be  had  on  them  to  repel  the  ene- 
my's .advance.  Through  the  lakes  large  vessels 
could  not  pass :  should  an  approach  be  attempted 
through  this  route,  in  their  barges,  it  might  be 
opposed  ,by  the  gun-boats  which  guarded  this  pas- 
sage ;  but  if,  unequal  to  the  contest,  they  should  be 
captured,  it  would  give  timely  information  of  a 
descent,  which  might  be  resisted  at  their  landing, 
and  before  any  opportunity  could  be  had  of  execut« 
ing  fully  their  designs.  Up  the  Mississippi,  how- 
ever, wu  looked  upon  as  the  most  pro(')able  paM, 


904  UPB   OP   GENERAL    SkCKMOM* 

through  which  might  be  made  an  attempt  to  retcb 
the  city ;  and  here  were  in  progress  suitable  prep' 
t rations  for  defence. 

We  have  already  noticed,  that  Colonel  Hayne 
nad  been  despatched  from  Mobile  with  directions  to 
view  the  Mississippi  near  its  mouth,  and  report  it 
any  advantageous  position  could  be  found  for  the 
erection  of  batteries ;  and  whether  the  re-establish- 
ment of  the  old  fort  at  the  Balize  would  command 
the  river,  in  a  way  to  prevent  its  being  ascended. 
That  it  could  not  be  relied  on  for  this  purpose,  the 
opinions  of  military  men  had  already  declared 
General  Jackson  was  disposed  to  respect  the  de- 
cisions of  those  who  were  entitled  to  confidence  , 
yet,  in  matters  of  great  importance,  it  formed  no 
part  of  his  creed  to  attach  his  faith  to  the  state- 
ments of  any,  where,  the  object  being  within  his 
reach,  it  was  in  his  power  to  look  to  the  fact,  and 
satisfy  himself.  Trusting  implicitly  in  Colonel 
Hayne  as  a  military  man,  he  had  despatched  him 
thither  to  examine  how  far  it  was  practicable  to 
obstruct  and  secure  this  channel.  His  report  was 
confirmatory  of  the  previous  information  received, 
that  it  was  incapable,  from  its  situation,  of  effecting 
any  such  object. 

Fort  St.  Philip  was  now  resorted  to  as  the  lowest 
point  on  the  river  where  tlie  erection  of  a  fortifica- 
tion could  be  at  all  serviceable.  The  general  had 
returned  to  New  Orleans  on  the  9th,  from  a  visit 
to  this  place,  which  he  had  ordered  to  be  repaired. 
The  commanding  officer  was  directed  to  remove 
every  combustible  material  without  the  fort;  to 
have  two  additional  platforms  immediately  raised; 
and  the  embrasures  so  enlarged  that  the  ordnance 
mii^bt  have  the  greatest  possible  sweep  upon  theif 


Un   OP  GENERAL  iACSlON.  105 

circles,  and  bo  brought  to  bear  on  any  object  within 
their  range,  that  might  approach  either  up  or  down 
the  river.  At  a  small  distance  below,  the  Mississip- 
pi, changing  its  course,  left  a  neck  of  land,  in  the 
bend,  covered  with  timber,  which  obstructed  the 
view.  From  this  point  down  to  where  old  Fort 
Bourbon  stood,  on  the  west  side,  the  growth  along 
the  bank  was  ordered  to  be  cut  away,  that  the  shot 
from  St.  Philip,  ranging  across  this  point  of  land, 
might  reach  an  approaching  vessel  before  she  should 
be  unmasked  from  behind  it.  On  the  site  of  Bour- 
bon was  to  be  thrown  up  a  strong  work,  defended 
by  five  twenty-four  pounders,  which,  with  the  fori 
above,  would  be  calculated  to  expose  an  enemy  to 
a  cross  fire,  for  half  a  mile.  A  mile  above  St 
Philip  was  to  be  established  a  work,  which,  in  con- 
junction with  the  others,  would  effectually  command 
the  river  for  two  miles.  At  Terre  au  Boeuf,  and  at 
the  English  Turn,  twelve  miles  below  the  city,  were 
also  to  be  taken  measures  for  defence ;  where  i1 
was  expected  by  Jackson,  with  his  flying  artillery 
and  fire  ships,  he  would  be  able  certainly  to  arrest 
the  enemy's  advance.  This  system  of  defence, 
properly  established,  he  believed,  would  ensure  se- 
curity from  any  attack  in  this  direction.  Fort  St 
Philip,  with  the  auxiliary  batteries  above  and  belov^ 
it,  would  so  concentrate  their  fires,  that  an  enemy 
could  never  pass  without  sufiering  greatly,  and,  per- 
haps, being  so  shattered  that  they  would  fall  ai. 
easy  prey  to  those  defences  which  were  still  higher 
up  the  river.  The  essential  difficulty  was  to  have 
them  speedily  finished.  On  returning,  he  hastened 
to  apprize  the  governor  of  his  views,  and  of  his 
arrangements,  and  entreated  him  to  aid  m  their 
furtherance.     It  was  proposed  to  submit  'U  to  the 


206  UFB   OP  GENERAL    JACKSON. 

consideration  of  the  legislature,  and  to  prevail,  d 
possible,  with  the  planters  to  furnish  their  slaves, 
by  whom,  alone,  such  work  could,  in  so  insalubrious 
a  climate,  be  safely  executed.  "If  what  is  pro- 
posed be  performed,"  said  he,  "I  will  stand  pledged 
that  the  invaders  of  your  state  shall  never,  through 
this  route,  reach  your  city."  He  desired  to  be  in- 
formed, early,  of  the  success  of  the  application, 
and  to  know  how  far  the  legislature  would  be  dis- 
posed to  extend  their  fostering  care  to  the  objects 
suggested ;  that,  in  the  event  of  failure,  he  might 
have  recourse  to  such  resources  as  were  within  his 
reach.  "  But,"  added  he,  "  not  a  moment  is  to  be 
lost.  With  energy  and  expedition,  all  is  safe : — 
delay,  and  all  is  lost." 

The  plans  of  operation  and  defence  were  pro- 
jecting on  an  extensive  scale.  The  only  objects  of 
fear  were  the  disaffected  who  infested  the  city . 
and  to  these,  after  the  most  mcessant  exertions,  he 
had  well  nigh  fallen 'a  victim. 

On  Lakes  Borgne  and  Pontchartram  an  equally 
strong  confidence  was  had  that  all  would  be  safe 
from  invasion.  Commodore  Patterson,  who  com- 
manded the  naval  forces,  had  executed  every  order 
with  promptness.  Agreeably  to  instructions  from 
the  general,  to  extend  to  all  the  passes  on  the  lakes 
every  protection  in  his  power,  he  had  sent  out  the 
gun-boats,  under  Lieutenant  Jones.  From  their 
capability  to  defend,  great  advantages  were  calcu- 
lated to  arise ;  added  to  which,  the  Rigolets,  the 
communication  between  the  two  lakes,  was  defend- 
ed by  Petit  Coquille  Fort,  a  strong  work,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Newman,  which,  when  acting 
in  conjunction  with  the  gun-boats,  it  was  supposed, 
would  be  competent  to  repe)  any  aseault      Guard? 


Uri  or  GENERAL   lACKBOlf.  207 

■sd  videttes  were  also  posted  in  different  directioaa 
to  giv»  the  earliest  information  of  every  thing  that 
passed.  In  despite,  however,  of  these  precaution 
ary  measures,  treachery  opened  a  way,  and  pointed 
the  entrance  of  the  enemy  to  a  narrow  pass, 
through  which  they  effected  a  landing,  and  reached 
previously  to  being  discovered,  the  banks  of  the 
Mississippi. 

Such  were  the  measures  adopted  for  the  protec- 
tion of  Louisiana  against  an  attack.  Information 
of  a  considerable  force  having  left  England  filled 
with  high  expectations,  the  attack  on  Fort  Bow- 
fer,  and  the  inflammatory  proclamations  alread} 
published,  with  anonymous  letters  received  from 
persons  in  the  West  Indies  and  Pensacola,  tended 
U}  unfold  the  views  of  the  enemy,  and  to  dissipate 
every  thing  of  doubt  as  to  their  designs.  But  the 
dme  was  at  hand  when  conjecture  was  giving 
place  to  certainty ;  when  the  intentions  of  the  in 
raders  were  fully  developing  themselves,  and  the 
fact  fairly  presented,  that  Louisiana  must  fall,  and 
her  principal  city  be  sacked,  unless  the  brave  men 
associated  to  defend  her  should  stand  firmly  in  hei 
defence.  Certain  information  was  at  hand  of  an 
English  fleet  being  off  Cat  and  Ship  Islands,  and 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  American  lines, 
where  their  numbers  were  daily  increasing. 

Lieutenant  Jones,  in  conunand  of  the  gun»boata 
on  Lake  Borgne,  was  directed  to  reconnoitre,  and 
ascertain  their  disposition  and  force ;  and,  in  the 
event  they  should  attempt,  through  this  route,  to 
effect  a  disembarkation,  to  retire  to  the  Rigoleta. 
and  there,  with  his  flotilla,  contend  to  the  last 
He  remained  off  Ship  Island  until  the  12th  o  De- 
cember, when,  understanding  the  enemy's  foreee 
18 


S03  LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

were  mxich  increased,  he  thought  it  advuable  to 
change  hu  anchorage  to  a  position  near  Malheur- 
eux  Island  This  was  rendered  necessary,  because 
it  wafl  a  safer  position,  in  the  event  of  being  attack- 
ed. Whoever  looks  upon  a  map  of  the  country 
will  discover  the  importance  of  this  place  if  driven 
into  action  with  a  greatly  superior  force.  This, 
and  Chef  Menteur,  which  unite  at  the  entrance  to 
the  lake,  and  form  a  narrow  channel,  constitutes 
the  only  pass  into  Pontchartrain.  By  reaching  it, 
the  gun-boats  would  be  enabled  to  present  a  formi- 
dable opposition. 

On  the  13th,  Jones  discovered  the  enemy  mov- 
ing off  in  his  barges  towwds  Pass  Christian.  Hia 
orders  left  him  no  discretion  as  to  the  place  he 
should  fight  them.  Indeed,  his  flotilla,  although 
quite  inconsiderable,  was  of  too  much  consequence 
to  the  nation,  at  this  juncture,  to  be  risked  at  all, 
unless  under  circumstances  giving  a  decided  supe- 
riority. In  no  other* way  was  this  to  be  obtained, 
than  by  reaching  the  point  to  which  he  had  been 
ordered :  this  he  endeavoured  to  effect,  as  he  be- 
came satisfied  of  what  was  intended  by  their  move- 
ment. Weighing  his  anchors,  with  the  design  of 
reaching  the  position  referred  to  in  his  orders,  he 
discovered  it  to  be  wholly  impracticable.  A  strong 
wind  having  blown  for  some  days  to  the  east,  from 
the  lake  to  the  gulf,  had  so  reduced  the  depth  of 
waier,  that  the  deepest  channels  were  insufficient 
to  float  his  little  squadron.  The  oars  were  resort 
ed  to,  but  without  rendering  the  least  assistance 
it  was  immoveable.  Everything  was  thrown  over-' 
board  that  could  be  spared,  to  lighten  them ;  tU, 
however,  was  ineffectual.  At  this  moment  of  ei- 
treme  peril,  the   tide  coming  suddenly  in,  relieved 


IdW*   OF  OINERAL    lACKSOW.  S09 

them  f^om  the  shoal,  and  they  came  to  anchtv  at 
one  o'clock  the  next  morning  on  the  west  passage 
of  Malheureux  Isle  ;  where,  at  day,  they  discovered 
the  pursuit  had  been  abandoned. 

At  the  bay  of  St.  Louis  was  a  small  depot  of 
public  stores,  which  had,  that  morning,  been  direct- 
ed, by  Jones,  to  be  brought  off.  Mr.  Johnston,  on 
board  the  Sea  Horse,  proceeded  in  tlie  execution 
of  this  order.  The  enemy,  on  the  retreat  of  Jones, 
despatched  three  of  their  barges  to  capture  him  , 
but,  unable  to  effect  it,  they  were  driven  back.  An 
additional  force  now  proceeded  against  him  ;  when 
a  smart  action  commenced,  and  the  assailants  were 
again  compelled  to  retire  with  some  loss.  John- 
ston, satisfied  that  it  was  out  of  his  power  to  defend 
himself,  and  considering  it  hopeless  to  attempt  unit 
ing,  in  face  of  so  large  a  force,  with  the  gun 
boats  off  Malheureux  Island,  blew  up  his  vessel, 
burnt  the  stores,  and  effected  his  retreat  by  land, 
in  conformity  to  the  instructions  he  had  received. 
A  prodigious  explosion  assured  Jones  of  the  proba- 
ble step  that  had  been  taken,  and  of  the  execution 
of  the  order. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  the  enemy *8 
barges,  about  nine  miles  to  the  east,  suddenly 
weighed  their  anchors ;  and,  getting  under  way, 
proceeded  westwardly  to  the  pass,  where  our  gun- 
boats still  lay.  The  same  difficulty  experienced 
yesterday  was  now  encountered.  Perceiving  the 
approach  of  the  enemy's  flotilla,  an  attempt  waa 
made  to  retreat ;  but  in  vain.  The  wind  was  en- 
urely  lulled,  and  a  perfect  calm  prevaOed  ;  while  & 
strong  current,  setting  to  the  gulf,  rendered  every 
effort  to  retire  unavaDing.  No  aJtemature  waa  at 
hand    but  a  single  course  was  lefl, — to  meet  and 


210  Un   OF   GENERAL   JACKSON 

Sght  thenL  At  once  the  resolution  was  adcpted, 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  best  position  they  could 
obtain,  wait  their  approach,  and  defend  tliemselves, 
whilst  tliere  was  a  hope  of  success.  The  line  was 
formed,  with  springs  on  the  cables,  and  all  were 
waiting  the  arrival  of  a  foe,  who  imagined  himself 
advancing  to  an  easy  conquest.  The  contest,  in  so 
open  a  situation,  and  against  such  superior  force 
promised  to  be  very  unequal ;  yet  the  bravery 
which  had  always  characterized  our  fearless  tars 
in  battle,  was,  on  this  occasion,  not  to  be  tarnished. 
Forty-three  boats,  mounting  as  many  camion, 
with  twelve  hundred  chosen  men,  well  armed,  con- 
stituted the  strength  of  the  assailants.  Advancing 
in  extended  line,  thiy  were  presently  in  reach ;  and, 
at  half  after  eleven  o'clock,  commencing  a  fire,  the 
action  soon  became  general.  Owing  to  a  strong 
current,  setting  out  to  the  east,  two  of  the  boats, 
numbers  156  and  163,  were  unable  to  keep  their 
anchorage,  and  floated  about  a  hundred  yards  in 
advance  of  the  line.  This  circumstance  was  un- 
fortunate ;  for,  although  it  was  by  no  means  to  be 
calculated,  that  victory  could  be  attendant  on  a  con- 
flict where  strength  and  numbers  were  so  dispro- 
portionate, yet,  could  the  line  have  been  preserved 
the  chances  for  defence  would  have  been  increased, 
the  opportunity  more  favourable  for  inflicting  injury 
and  crippling  the  foe,  while  the  period  of  the  con- 
test would  have  been  protracted.  Every  momeii 
this  could  have  been  prolonged  would  have  proved 
advantageous  ;  for,  soon  as  the  wind  should  spring 
jp,  which  yet  continued  lulled,  the  boata  would  be 
more  manageable,  and  an  opportunity  aflTorded  of 
retiring  from  the  batUe  whtneTor  tb«  rMult  boctixM 
Lif&fftroufl. 


in. 
UT%   OF  QB^BRAL  IACE80II  til 

The  enemy,  relying  on  their  numbers,  advanced 
in  three  divisions.     Our  gun-boats,  formed  in  a  Jines 
were  uTider  command  of  Lieutenant  Jones,  who, 
on  board  No.  156,  occupied  the  centre.     No.  162 
and  163  rested  on  his  \e%  under  the  direction  ot 
Lieutenant  Spedden  and  Sailing-master  Ulrich  ;  on 
his  right  were  No.  5  and  23,  commanded  by  Sailing 
master  Ferris  and  Lieutenant  M'lver.     The  centre 
division  of  the  enemy,  led  by  the  senior  officer  of 
the  expedition.  Captain  Lockyer,  bore  down  on  No. 
156,  the  centre  of  our  line,  and,  twice  attempting 
to  board,  was  twice  repulsed  with  an  immense  de- 
struction of  both  officers  and  crew,  and  loss  of  two 
of  their  boats,  which  were  sunk :  one,  a  seventy 
four's  launch,  crowded  with  men,  went  down  ira 
mediately  along-side  of  the  gun-boat.     Jones,  being 
too  severely  wounded  longer  to  maintain  the  deck, 
retired,  leaving  the  command  with  George  Parker, 
who  no  less  valiantly  defended  his  flag,  until,  badly 
wounded,   he  was  also  compelled  to  leave  his  post ; 
and  soon  after   the  boat  was    carried.     No.    163, 
though    ably  defended,   was  also  taken;  and  the 
guns  of  both  turned  on  No.  162  and  5,  which  also 
surrendered  ;  and,  last  of  all,  No.  23,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  M'lver.     Thus  in  detail  was  our  little 
squadron,  after  a  conflict  of  nearly  an  hour,  lost ; 
a  conflict  in  which  every  thing  was  done  that  gal- 
lantry could  do,  and  nothing  unperformed  that  duty 
required  ;  but  it  was  a  disaster  which,  under  all 
the   circumstances,   could   not  be    avoided.     The 
calm  which'  prevailed,  and  the  unwieldy  condition 
of  the  boats,  prevented  any  management  by  the 
oars. 

The  commandant  was  ably  supported  by  the  offi- 
cers  associated  with  him.     Lieutenants  Spedden  and 
18* 


tlS  UFI   OF  eiNERAL  JACKtOM. 

M*her  were  wounded ;  the  former  in  both  antn, 
and  in  one  so  severely  as  to  be  compelled  to  have 
it  amputated ;  yet  this  valiant  officer  to  the  last 
continued  his  orders :  nor  did  the  latter  quit  for  a 
moment  his  post.  Midshipmen  Cauley  and  Rey- 
nolds, young  men  of  promise,  fell  victims  to  tlie 
wounds  received  in  this  contest.  It  is  unnecessary 
to  take  up  the  time  of  the  reader  in  commendation 
of  this  Spartan  band :  their  bravery  will  be  long 
remembered,  and  excite  emotions  stronger  than 
language  can  paint.  The  great  disparity  of  force 
between  the  combatants  presents  a  curious  result ; 
that,  while  the  American  loss  was  but  ten  killed,  and 
thirty-five  wounded,  that  of  their  assailants  was 
not  less  than  three  hundred.  The  British  have 
never  presented  any  report  upon  this  subject :  but. 
from  every  information,  and  from  all  the  attendant 
circumstances  of  the  battle,  it  was  even  believed 
to  have  exceeded  this  number ;  of  which  a  large 
proportion  was  officers.* 

The  British  returned  to  their  shippmg,  at  Cat 
Island,  with  their  prisoners,  with  a  convincing  argu- 
ment, to  do  away  the  belief  which  they  enter- 
tained, that,  in  this  section  of  country,  the  in- 
habitants were  waiting,  with  open  arms,  to  receive 
them. 

This  disaster  was  announced  to  General  Jackson 
while  on  a  visit  to  the  lakes,  whither  he  had  gone 
to  examine   the   situation  of  the  different  works 


Boats.         Men.        Guns 
*  The  British  had        43  1200  43 

The  Amerioans  6  182  23 

Diffei^ncc  38  1018  20 

8o  Uiat  the  disparity  in  force  of  boats^  men   uid  fuat, 
•tliiit- '•eves— -and  nearly  two  to  on*. 


JJFl    or   GENERAL   JACKSOTf.  til 

in  progreu.    He  heard  it  with  much  concern ,  ftr 
on  it  important  consequences  depended. 

His  fears  for  the  safety  of  Mobile  were  much 
increased.  Although  he  had  every  confidence  in 
the  gallant  officer  who  commanded  at  Fort  Bowyer. 
he  well  knew  how  inefficient  were  the  exertiontr  ol 
a  brave  man,  when  assailed  by  superior  strengtn 
The  security  of  this  place  was  of  great  importance. 
His  own  apprehensions  of  an  invasion  here,  as  af- 
fecting the  interest  of  the  lower  country,  was  tc 
him  a  cause  of  constant  uneasiness.  He  felt  con 
fident,  while  this  point  remained  safe,  so  might  the 
country  adjacent ;  but,  if  it  fell,  the  Indians  would 
again  be  excited,  the  settlements  on  tlie  Mobile 
and  Alabama  rivers  hacome  tributary,  and  New 
Orleans  be  involved  in  the  general  ruin.  Deeply 
impressed  with  the  importance  of  defending  this 
place,  he  had  brought  to  the  view  of  the  secretary 
of  war  the  necessity  of  adopting  such  a  course  as 
should  place  it  entirely  out  of  the  reach  of  danger. 
To  efiect  this,  he  proposed  that  a  large  frigate, 
mounting  forty-four  guns,  which,  for  some  cause 
had  been  left  on  the  stocks,  at  Tchifonte,  in  an  un- 
finished state,  should  be  completed.  "Let  her,' 
he  remarked,  "  be  placed  in  the  Navy  Cove,  which 
will  protect  the  rear  of  the  fort,  and,  my  life  upon 
it,  ten  thousand  troops,  and  all  the  British  fleet, 
cannot  take  the  place,  nor  enter  the  bay.  This 
will  be  their  point  of  attack ;  if  carried,  they  will 
penetrate  the  Indian  nation, — there  make  a  stand, 
and  incite  the  pavages  to  war,  and  the  slaves  to  in- 
surrection and  massacre ; — penetrate,  if  they  can, 
to  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  and  arrest  aU 
communication.  If  they  succeed  in  this,  the  lowei 
country  falls  of  course."     No  nc^ice,  however,  wm 


tl4  LIFB    OP   GENERAL    JACKSON. 

ever  taken  of  Lis  admonition^  and  nothings  done  to 
effect  the  object  proposed.    His  entire  defence  and 
safety  rested  on  the  means  which  he  could  reach. 
An  express  was  despatched  to  General  Winches 
ter,  apprizing  him  of  what  had  happened  ;  that,  ail 
communication  being  cut  off,  he  must  look  to  the  pn> 
curing  supplies  for  his  army  from  Tennessee  River 
through  the-  posts  established  in  the  Creek  country 
"  The  enemy,"  he  continues, "  will  attempt,  through 
Pass  Huron,  to  reach  you :  watch,  nor  suffer  your 
self  to  be  surprised  ;  haste,  and  throw  sufficient  sup 
plies  iuto   Fort  Bowyer,  and  guard  vigilantly  the 
communication  from  Fort  Jackson,  lest  it  be  de- 
stroyed.    Mobile  Point  must  be  supported  and  de- 
fended at  every  hazard.     The  enemy  has  given  ua 
a  large  coast  to  guard ;  but  I  trust,  with  the  smiles 
of  Heaven,  to  be  able  to  meet  and  defeat  him  at 
every  point  he  may  venture  his  foot  upon  the  land." 

Increased  vigilance  was  now  required  to  guard 
the  different  routes  through  which  they  might  make 
cheir  progress,  and  reach  the  object  of  their  visit 
Major  Lacosto,  commanding  the  battalion  of  colour 
ed  troops,  was  ordered,  with  two  pieces  of  cannon 
and  a  sufficient  force,  to  defend  the  Chef  Menteur 
road,  that  led  from  the  head  of  Lake  Borgne  to  New 
Orleans.  In  fact,  wherever  an  inlet  or  creek,  of 
the  smallest  size,  justified  the  belief,  that  through 
It  an  entrance  might  be  effected,  arrangements 
were  made  to  prevent  approach.  Through  the  Rigo- 
lets  was  presumed  the  most  probable  route  the 
enemy  would  adventure,  that,  by  gaining  Lake  Pont- 
chartrain,  a  landing  might  be  made  above  or  belcw 
the  city,  or  at  Bayou  St.  John,  directly  opposite. 

This   pla.  e  hi  d  been  confided  to  Captain  New- 
BUin,  of  the  artil  bry.     It  wu  an  important  pomt. 


Lire    OP    GENERAL   JACKBON.  216 

aa  well  for  the  purposes  already  named,  as  being  a 
position  whence  any  movement  on  the  lakes  could 
be  discovered.  On  the  22d,  it  was  re-enforced  by 
several  heavy  pieces  of  cannon,  and  an  additional 
supply  of  men.  He  was  advised  by  the  general 
of  tne  consequence  attached  to  it,  and  that  it  was 
not  to  be  inconsiderately  yielded  ;  but  that,  in  the 
event  of  his  being  compelled  to  abandon  it,  every 
thing  being  properly  secured,  he  was  to  make  good 
his  retreat  to  Chef  Menteur,  where  he  would  be 
covered  by  an  additional  force :  "  But,"  added  he, 
"  you  are  not  to  retreat  until  your  judgment  is  weU 
convinced  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  the  very 
salvation  of  your  command." 

On  the  16th  the  militia  were  reviewed  by  Jack- 
son. He  had  perceved,  on  his  arrival  at  New 
Orleans,  such  despondency  manifested  by  the  peo- 
ple, that  to  remove  it  had  called  forth  all  his  exer- 
tions. His  incessant  endeavours  to  have  defended 
every  accessible  point,  and  a  confidence,  constantly 
evinced,  that  his  resources  were  commensurate  with 
all  the  purposes  of  successfal  resistance,  had  com- 
pletely undermined  those  fears,  at  first  so  generally 
indulged.  Lest,  from  the  loss  which  had  lately  hap- 
pened on  the  lakes,  a  similar  state  of  doubt  might 
be  again  produced,  was  the  principal  cause  of  ap- 
pearing before  them  to-day  on  review  ;  to  convince 
them,  by  his  deportment,  that  the  safety  of  the  city 
was  not  to  be  despaired  of.  He  directed  an  ad- 
dress to  be  read  to  them.  It  was  drawn  in  Ian 
guage  breathing  the  warmth  of  his  ov/n  feehngs, 
and  well  calculated  to  inspire  the  same  glow  to 
others.  He  told  them  they  were  contending  fo"  all 
liiat  could  render  life  desirable — "  for  your  property 
iBd  lives } — for  those  who  are  dearer  than  all,  your 


2^6  UFK    OF    GENERAL   JACKION. 

wives  and  children ; — for  liberty,  without  which, 
country, life  and  property  axe  not  worth  posseaiing 
E'en  the  embraces  of  wives  and  children  are  a 
reproach  to  the  wretch  who  would  deprive  them, 
by  his  cowardice,  of  those  inestimable  blessings. 
You  are  to  contend  with  an  enemy,  who  seeks  to 
deprive  you  of  the  least  of  these — who  avows  a 
war  of  desolation,  marked  by  cruelties,  lusts,  and 
horrors,  unknown  to  civilized  nations." 

That  the  hour  of  attack  was  not  distant  was  con- 
firmed by  a  circumstance  which  reflects  no  consid- 
erable honour  on  the  officer  in  command  of  the 
fleet  The  day  subsequent  to  the  contest  on  the 
lakes,  Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  navy,  had  been 
despatched  with  a  flag  to  Cat  Island,  accompanied 
by  Dr.  Murrell,  for  the  purpose  of  alleviating  the 
situation  of  our  wounded,  and  to  eflfect  a  negotia- 
tion, by  which  they  should  be  liberated  on  parole. 
We  are  not  aware  that  such  an  application  militat- 
ed against  the  usag'es  of  war :  if  not,  the  flag  of 
truce  should  have  been  respected ;  nor  ought  its 
bearer  to  have  been  detained  as  a  prisoner.  Ad- 
miral Cochrane's  pretended  fear  that  it  was  a  wile, 
designed  to  ascertain  his  strength  and  situation,  is 
far  from  presenting  any  sufficient  excuse  for  bo 
wanton  an  outrage  on  the  rules  of  war.  If  thia 
were  apprehended,  could  not  tlie  messengers  have 
been  met  at  a  distance  from  the  fleet,  and  ordered 
back  without  a  near  approach.^  Had  this  been 
done,  no  information  could  have  been  gained,  and 
the  object  designed  to  be  secured  by  the  detention 
would  have  been  answered,  without  infringing  that 
amicable  intercourse  between  contending  armies, 
which,  when  diiregarded,  opeaa  a  door  to  brutaJi 


UrS  OF  GBNERAL  JACKSON  817 

tnd  fayage  warfare.     Finding  they  did  not  return. 
Uie  cause  of  it  was  at  once  correctly  divined. 

The  British  admiral  resorted  to  various  means  to 
obUin   from  these  gentlemen  information  of  the 
strength  and  disposition  of  our  army ;  but  so  cau- 
tious a  reserve  was  maintained,  that  nothing  could  be 
elicited.     Shields  was  perceived  to  be  quite  deat; 
BJid,  calculating  on  some  advantage  to  be  derived 
from  this  circumstance,  he  and  the  doctor  were 
placed  at  night  in  the  green  room,  where  any  conver- 
sation which  occurred  between  them  could  readily  be 
heard.    Suspecting  something  of  the  kind,  after  hav- 
ing retired,  and  every  thing  was  seemingly  still,  they 
began  to  speak  of  their  situation— tlie  circumstance 
of  their  being  detained,  and  of  the  prudent  caution 
with  which  they  had  guarded  themselves  against 
communicating  any  information  to  the  British  admi- 
ral.    "  But,"  continued  Shields,  «  how  greatly  these 
gentlemen  will  be  disappointed  in  their  expecta- 
tions !  for  Jackson,  with  the  twenty  thousand  troops 
he  now  has,  and  the  re-enforcements  from  Kentucky, 
which  must  speedily  reach  him,  will  be  able  to  de- 
stroy any  force  that  can  be  landed  from  these  ships." 
Every  word  was  heard,  and  treasured ;  and,  not  sup- 
posing there  was  any  design,  or  that  he  presumed 
hunself  overheard,  they  were  beguiled  by  it,  and  at 
once  concluded  our  force  to  be  as  great  as  it  waa 
represented. 

Early  on  the  15th,  the  morning  after  tlie  battle 
on  the  lake,  expresses  v/ere  sent  up  the  coast:  :n 
quest  of  General  Coffee,  to  procuie  information  of 
the  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  divisions,  which,  it 
was  hop«^d,  were  not  far  distant.  In  his  comrauni- 
eation  to  Coffee,  the  general  observes,  "  You  must 
Mi  ilaep  until  you  reach  me,  or  arrive  within  etrik- 


tl8  LIFB    OF    0SNXBAL    JACKSON 

ing  distance.  Your  accustomed  activity  is  looked 
for.  Innumerable  defiles  present  tliemselves,  wjiere 
your  services  and  riflemen  will  be  all-iraportant 
An  opportunity  is  at  hand,  to  reap  for  yourself  and 
brigade  the  approbation  of  your  country." 

In  obedience  to  the  order  he  had  received  at  Mo- 
bile to  occupy  some  central  position,  where  his  horses 
3ould  be  subsisted.  Coffee  had  proceeded  as  far  as 
Sandy  Creek,  a  small  distance  above  Baton  Rouge, 
wJiere  he  had  halted.     His  brigade  on  its  march  had 
been  greatly  exposed,  and  many  hardships  encoun- 
tered.    The  cold  season  had  set  in ;  and,  for  twenty 
days,  it  had  rained  incessantly.     The  waters  were 
raised  to  uncommon  heights,  and  every  creek  and 
bayou  was  to  be  bridged  or  swam.     Added  to  this, 
their  march  was  through  an  uncultivated  country, 
but  thinly  settled,  where  little  subsistence  was  to  be 
had,  and   that  procured  with  much  difficulty.     He 
had  been  at  this  place  eight  or  ten  days,  when,  late 
on  the  evening  of  the,  17th,  the  express  from  head- 
quarters reached  him.     He  lost  no  time  in  execut 
ing  the  order ;  and,  directing  one  of  his  regiments, 
which,  for  the  greater  convenience  of  foraging,  had 
encamped  about  six  miles   off,  to  unite  with  him, 
he  proceeded   on  his  march  the  instant  it  arrived. 
In  consequence  of  innumerable  exposures,   there 
tveiBf  at  this  time,  three  hundred  on  the  sick  list. 
These  being  lefl,  he  commenced  his  advance  with 
twelve  hundred  and  fifty  men.     The  weather  con 
tinned  extremely  cold  and   rainy,  which  preventer 
iheir  proceeding  with  the  celerity  the  exigency  (A 
the  moment  required.     Coffee,  perceiving  that  th» 
movement  of  his  whole  force,  in  a  body,  would  oc 
casion  delays,  ruinous  :o  the  object,  ordered  all,  wh» 
vere  able  to  proceed,  to  advance  with  him ;  whil* 


Uni  OP  GINBRAL   JACKSON.  Sl9 

the  reft  of  hiB  brigade,  under  suitable  officera,  were 
left  to  follow  as  faat  as  the  weak  and  exhausted 
condition  of  their  horses  would  permit.  His  force, 
by  this  arrangement,  was  reduced  to  eight  hundred 
men,  with  whom  he  moved  with  the  utmost  indus- 
try. Having  marched  seventy  miles  the  last  day, 
he  encamped,  on  the  night  of  the  19th,  within  fifteen 
miles  of  New  Orleans,  making  in  two  days  a  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  Continu- 
ing his  advance,  early  next  morning  he  halted 
within  four  miles  of  the  city,  to  examine  the  condi 
tion  of  his  arms,  and  to  learn,  in  the  event  the  enemy 
had  landed,  the  relative  position  of  the  two  armies 

On  inspecting  their  arms,  which  consisted  princi 
pally  of  rifles,  two  hundred  were  discovered  to  be 
so  materially  injured  by  the  weather,  as  to  be  unfit 
for  service. 

The  advance  of  Colonel  Hinds,  from  Woodville, 
with  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  was  no  less  expedi- 
tious ;  an  active  officer,  he  was,  on  this,  as  on  all 
other  occasions,  at  his  post,  ready  to  act  as  circum- 
stances should  require.  Having  received  his  or- 
ders, he  effected,  in  four  days,  a  march  of  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty  miles. 

On  the  leth.  Colonel  Hynes,  aid-de-camp  to  Gen- 
eral Carroll,  reached  head-quarters,  with  informa- 
tion from  the  general,  that  he  would  be  present  as 
early  as  possible ;  but  that  the  state  of  the  weather 
and  high  and  contrary  winds,  greatly  retarded  hia 
progress.  To  remedy  tills,  a  steam-boat  was  im- 
mediately put  in  requisition,  and  ordered  to  proceed 
up  the  river  to  aid  him  in  reaching  his  destination, 
without  loss  of  time.  He  was  advised  of  the  necea- 
wty  of  hastening  rapidly  forward  ;  that  the  lakea 
vere  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  their  arrJYal 
19 


no  UFB    OF   GENERAL   JACiLSOll. 

daily  looked  for ;  "  But,"  continued  Jackson,  ^  I  am 
esolTod,  feeble  as  my  force  is,  to  assail  him,  on  hio 
f  mt  landing,  and  perish  sooner  than  he  shall  reach 
the  city." 

Independent  of  the  large  force  which  was  de- 
scending with  General  Ca,rrolI,  his  approach  wan 
looked  to  with  additional  pleasure,  from  the  circura^ 
stance  of  his  having  with  him  a  boat  laden  with 
arms,  destined  for  the  defence  of  the  country,  and 
which  he  had  overtaken  on  his  passage  down  the 
Mississippi.  His  falling  in  with  them  was  fortu- 
nate ;  for,  had  their  arrival  depended  on  those  to 
whom  they  had  been  incautiously  confided,  they 
might  have  come  too  late,  and  after  all  danger  had 
subsided  ;  as  was  indeed  the  case  witli  others  for 
warded  from  Pittsburg,  which,  through  the  unpar- 
donable conduct  of  those  who  had  been  intrusted 
with  their  transportation,  did  not  reach  New  Or 
leans  until  all  difficulties  had  terminated.  Great  in- 
convenience was  sustained,  during  the  siege,  for  want 
of  arms  to  place  in  the  hands  of  the  militia.  Great 
as  it  was,  it  would  have  been  increased,  even  to  an 
alarming  extent,  but  for  the  accidental  circumstance 
of  this  boat  having  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Ten- 
nessee division,  which  impelled  it  on,  and  thereb) 
produced  incalculable  advantage. 

This  division  left  Nashville  on  the  19th  of  No- 
vember. Their  exertions  entitle  them  and  tlieij 
commander  to  every  gratitude.  But  above  all  is  oui 
gratitude  due  to  that  benign  Providence,  who,  hav 
ing  aided  in  the  establishment  of  our  glorious  inde 
pendence,  again  manifested  his  goodness  and  po  ve? 
ill  guarding  the  rights  of  a  country  rendered  sa:;red 
by  the  blood  of  the  virtuous,  heretofore  shed  in  it« 
defence.     It  rarely,  if  ever,  happens,  that  the  Cum 


LIFE    OF    OE.VERAI.    JACKSON.  221 

berland  river  admits  a  passage  for  boats  so  early  in 
the  season;  but  torrents  of  rain  descending  swelled 
the  stream,  and  wafted  our  troops  safely  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi, where  all  obstructions  were  at  an  end 

While  these  preparations  were  progressing,  to 
concentrate  the  forces  within  his  reach,  the  gene- 
ral was  turning  his  attention  to  ward  off  any  blow 
that  might  be  aimed  before  his  expected  reenforce- 
ments  shou  d  arrive.  Every  point  capable  of  being 
successfully  assailed  was  receiving  such  additional 
security  as  could  be  given.  Patrols  and  videttes 
were  ranged  througli  the  country,  that  the  earliest 
intelligence  might  be  had  of  any  intended  move 
ment.  The  militia  of  tlie  state  were  called  out  en 
masse ;  and,  through  the  interference  of  the  legis 
lature,  an  embargo  on  vessels  at  the  port  of  New 
Orleans  was  declared,  to  afford  an  opportunity  of 
procuring  additional  recruits  for  the  navy.  Gener 
al  Villery,  because  an  inhabitant  of  the  countiy,  ana 
best  understanding  the  several  points  on  the  lakes 
requiring  defence,  was  ordered,  with  the  Louisiana 
militia,  to  search  out,  and  give  protection  to  the  dif- 
ferent passes,  where  a  landing  might  be  effected. 

To  hinder  the  enemy  from  obtaining  supplies? 
on  shore,  a  detachment  was  sent  to  Pearl  Rivei 
to  prevent  any  parties  from  landing  until  the 
stock  could  be  driven  from  the  neighbourhood 
The  precaution,  for  some  time  used,  of  restricting 
the  departure  of  any  vessel  with  provisions,  undei 
the  operation  of  the  embargo  imposed  by  the  legis- 
lature, had  greatly  disappointed  the  expectations  of 
the  British,  and  even  introduced  diytress  into  Pen- 
sacola,  whence  the  Spaniards  had  been  in  the  habit 
of  procuring  their  supplies.  The  governor  had  so- 
licited the  opening  a  communication,  for  the  relief 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

of  the  suffering  inhabitants  of  his  province.  Jock- 
son  was  aware  that  this  appeal  to  his  humanity 
might  be  a  stratagem,  having  for  its  object  to  aid 
the  enemy.  Although  the  governor,  hitherto,  had 
given  no  flattering  evidence,  either  of  his  friend- 
sliip  or  sincerity,  still  the  statement  offered  by  him 
might  be  correct ;  and,  if  so,  the  neutrality  of  his 
country  established  a  well-founded  claim  to  the  be- 
nevolence of  the  Americans.  Balancing  between 
a  desire  that  these  people  should  not  be  seriously 
injured,  and  a  fear  that  the  application  wds  intended 
for  a  very  different  purpose,  he  determined  to  err 
oa  the  side  of  mercy,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  relieve 
their  wants.  This  he  directed  General  Winches- 
ter, at  Mobile,  to  effect,  provided  his  stock  of  pro- 
visions would  permit  it.  It  was  particularly  enjoin- 
ed on  him  that  the  quantity  of  provisions  sent  should 
be  small,  and  be  conveyed  by  water  :  "  For  if,"  said 
he,  "  the  Spaniards  are  reaUy  in  distress,  and  the 
supply  sent  shall  be  taken  by  the  British,  it  will  ex- 
cite their  just  indignation  towards  them,  and  erase 
all  friendship,  while  they  will  be  afforded  an  addi- 
tional proof  of  ours :  tlie  supply,  too,  being  incon- 
siderable, even  if  captured,  will  prove  of  no  great 
benefit  to  our  enemy." 

Jackson's  arrangements  were  well  conceived,  and 
rapidly  progressing  ;  but  they  were  still  insufficient ; 
and  his  own  forebodings  assured  him,  that,  to  ob- 
tain security,  something  stronger  required  to  be 
adopted.  That  there  waa  an  enemy  in  the  midst  of 
his  camp,  more  to  be  feared  than  those  who  were  men- 
acing from  abroad,  was,  indeed,  probable.  A  stran* 
ger  himaelf,  his  conjectures  might  not  htve  led  to 
the  conclusion ;  but  information  received,  before 
and  soon  after  bis  arrival,  through  different  chav 


LIFB   OF   GENERAL   JACKSON.  223 

^els,  and  particularly  from  the  governor  of  the  state, 
bad  awakened  a  belief,  that  the  country  was  filled 
with  disaffected  persons.  Although  he  had  been  in 
possession  of  data,  sufficiently  strong  to  confirm  him 
m  the  opinion,  no  urgent  necessity  had  arisen,  ren- 
dering a  resort  to  rigid  measures  essential  to  the 
general  safety.  Abundant  evidence  of  prevailing 
disaffection  had  been  obtained,  through  Governor 
Claiborne.  In  a  letter  to  General  Jackson,  aflej 
his  return  from  Pensacola,  he  observed,  "  Enemies 
to  the  country  may  blame  your  prompt  and  ener- 
getic measures  ;  but  in  the  person  of  every  patriot 
you  will  find  a  supporter.  I  am  well  aware  of  the 
.ax  police  of  this  city,  and  indeed  of  the  whole  state, 
with  respect  to  strangers.  I  think,  with  you,  that 
our  country  is  filled  '  with  traitors  and  spies.'  On 
this  subject,  I  have  written  pressingly  to  the  city 
authorities  and  parish  judges.  Some  regulations, 
I  hope,  will  be  adopted  by  the  first,  and  greater 
vigilance  be  exercised,  in  future,  by  the  la^^ter." 

Never,  perhaps,  all  the  circumstances  considered, 
did  any  general  advance  to  the  defence  and  pro 
tection  of  a  people,  situated  in  his  own  country 
i.vhere  greater  room  was  had  to  distrust  the  succes. 
of  the  event,  and  believe  all  efforts  hopeless.  Whep 
General  Jackson  was  informed  by  the  governor 
til  at  the  legislature,  instead  of  discharging  with 
alacrity,  diligence,  and  good  faith,  the  duties  which 
had  been  confided  to  them  by  their  constituents, 
had,  under  the  garb  of  privilege,  endeavoured  to 
mar  the  execution  of  measures  the  most  salutary, 
he  might  well  conclude  the  country  in  danger,  and 
BUBpcct  a  want  of  fidelity  in  her  citizens.  Upon  the 
yeomanry  alone  must  every  country  depend  for  iti 
liberty  :  they  arc  its  sinews  and  its  strength.  Ltl 
19* 


tl4  Une    OF   GENERAL   JACKSON. 

them  continue  virtuous,  and  they  will  cheerfully 
nay,  fearlessly,  maintain  themselves  against  aggrei- 
sion  ;  but  if  tJiey  become  corrupted,  or,  through  the 
mtrigue  or  misconduct  of  their  rulers,  lose  confi- 
dence in  their  government,  their  importance  will 
be  impaired.  While  the  people  of  Rome  felt  tliem- 
selves  freemen,  and  proud  of  the  name  of  citizens, 
Rome  was  invincible  ;  and,  to  descend  to  times 
more  modern,  the  strength  of  France  was  an  over- 
match for  combined  Europe  only  while  Frenchmen 
had  confidence  and  regard  for  their  government 

Constitutional  resources  were  attempted,  and  an 
effort  made  to  draw  out  the  militia  :  they  resisted 
the  requisition  ;  and  that  resistance,  so  far  from  be 
ing  discountenanced  by  the  legislature  tlien  in  ces- 
sion, was  encouraged  by  their  assuming  to  them- 
selves the  right  of  declaring  the  demand  to  be  illegal, 
unnecessary,  and  oppressive.  Thus  supported,  the 
mUitia,  as  might  have  been  expected,  stood  their 
ground,  and  resolutely  resisted  the  call  to  defend 
their  country.  The  example  thus  established  had 
already  induced  the  conviction  that  they  were  privi- 
leged persons,  and  had  reserved  to  them,  on  all  oc- 
casions, when  called  for,  the  right  of  determining 
if  the  call  were  regular,  why  and  wherefore  made, 
where  they  would  prefer  to  act,  and  be  governed 
accordingly.  When,  therefore,  the  first  requisitioD 
made  by  Jackson  was  attempted  to  be  filled,  a 
number  made  a  tender  of  their  services  as  volun- 
teers ;  but  on  this  condition,  that  they  were  not  to 
oe  marched  from  the  state.  The  reply  made  show- 
ed they  were  to  act  with  a  general  who  knew  notb 
mg  of  temporizing  policy,  and  who  would  go  the 
entile  length  that  safety  and  necessity  required. 
Thaj  were  uwured  his  object  wu  to  defend  tlie 


LIPB    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  225 

country,  and  that  he  shou'd  do  it  at  every  hazard  : 
that  soldiers  who  entered  the  ranks  with  him,  to 
fight  the  battles  of  their  country,  must  forget  the 
habits  of  social  life,  and  be  willing  and  prepared  to 
go  wherever  duty  and  danger  called  ;  such  were 
the  kind  of  troops  he  wanted,  and  none  others  would 
he  have. 

Influenced  by  these  and  other  considerations, 
which  were  daily  disclosed  ;  sensible  of  the  danger 
that  surrounded  him ;  and  from  a  conviction  which 
he  felt  was  founded  not  upon  light  considerations, 
that  the  country,  without  a  most  decisive  course, 
could  not  be  saved,  he  brought  to  the  view  of 
^he  legislature  the  necessity  of  suspending  the  writ 
of  habeas  corpus.  To  attempt  himself  so  new  and 
bold  a  course,  he  was  satisfied,  would  draw  to  him 
the  reproofs  and  censures  of  the  orthodox  politicians 
of  the  day,  and  involve  him  in  various  reproaches 
The  legislature  had  already  interrupted  the  com- 
merce by  declaring  and  enforcing  an  embargo  ;  and 
the  exercise  of  this  subsequent  authority,  equally 
necessary  with  the  first,  could  involve,  he  supposed, 
no  higher  exercise  of  power  than  the  enactment  of 
an  embargo  law.  He  was  solicitous,  therefore,  to 
relieve  himself  of  the  responsibility,  by  prevailing 
on  the  legislature  to  do  that  which  necessity  and 
the  security  of  the  country  seemed  imperiously  to 
require.  They  proceeded  slowly  to  the  investiga 
tion,  and  were  deliberating,  with  great  caution,  upon 
their  right,  authority,  and  constitutional  power  to 
idopt  such  a  measure,  when  the  general,  sensible 
that  procrastination  was  dangerous,  and  might  de- 
feat the  objects  intended  to  be  answered,  assumed 
ill  responsibility,  and  superseded  their  deliberations 


226  UFC   OF   GENERAL   JACKSON. 

by  declaring  the  city  and  environs  of  New  Orleans 
under  martial  law. 

All  persons  entering  the  city  were  required,  im- 
mediately, to  report  themselves  to  the  adjutant-gen- 
eral ;  and,  on  failing  to  do  so,  were  to  be  arrested 
and  detained  for  examination.  None  were  to  de 
part  from  it,  or.be  suffered  to  pass  beyond  the  chair. 
of  sentinels,  but  by  permission  from  the  command- 
mg  general,  or  one  of  the  staff:  nor  was  any  vessel 
or  craft  to  be  permitted  to  sail  on  the  river,  or  the 
lakes,  but  by  the  same  authority,  or  a  passport  sign- 
ed by  the  commander  of  the  naval  forces. 

The  lamps  were  to  be  extinguished  at  nine 
o'clock  at  night ;  after  which  time,  all  persona 
ound  in  the  streets,  or  from  their  respective  homes, 
without  permission  in  writing,  signed  as  above,  were 
to  be  arrested  as  spies,  and  detained  for  exami- 
nation. 

At  a  crisis  so  important,  and  from  a  persuasion 
hat  the  country,  in'its  menaced  situation,  could  not 
fle  preserved  by  the  exercise  of  any  ordinary 
powers,  he  believed  it  best  to  adopt  a  course  that 
should  be  efficient,  even  if  it  partially  enaangered 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  citizen.  He  pro- 
claimed martial  law,  believing  necessity  and  policy 
required  it ;  "  under  a  solemn  conviction  that  the 
country,  committed  to  his  care,  could  by  such  a 
measure  alone  be  saved  from  utter  ruin  ;  and  from 
a  religioub  belief,  that  he  was  performing  the  most 
important  duty.  By  it  he  intended  to  supersede 
Buch  civil  powers,  as,  m  their  operation,  interferea 
with  those  he  was  obliged  to  exercise.  He  thought 
that,  at  such  a  moment,  constitutional  forms  should 
be  guipended,  for  the  preservation  of  constimtioni^ 


tdrm   OP   QBNRRAL  JACKAOff  9S7 

nghiM ;  and  that  there  could  be  no  question,  whether 
It  were  better  to  depart,  for  a  moment,  from  the 
enjoyment  of  our  dearest  privileges,  or  to  have  them 
wrested  from  us  for  ever.'' 

This  rigid  course,  how  ;er,  was  by  no  means 
well  received.  Whether  had  for  its  object  good 
or  evil ;  whether  springing  rom  necessity,  or  from 
a  spirit  of  oppression  in  ite  aithor,  with  many,  was 
not  a  material  question :  it  as  sufficient  for  them 
to  consider  it  an  infractioi  of  the  law,  to  excite 
tlieir  warmest  opposition ;  \\  lilst  the  long-approved 
doctrine  of  necessitas  rei  afforded  no  substantial 
argument  to  induce  a  conviction  of  its  propriety. 
Whether  the  civil  should  yield  to  military  law,  or 
which  should  havf';  control,  wilh  those  whose  anx- 
ious wishes  were  for  the  safety  of  the  state,  was  not 
a  matter  of  deep  jr  serious  concern  ;  but  to  busy  pol- 
iticians it  opened  a  field  for  investigation :  and  many 
a  fire-side  patriot  had  arguments  at  command,  to 
prove  it  an  usurpation  of  power,  an  outrage  upon 
government,  and  a  violation  of  the  constitution. 
During  the  invasion,  and  while  affairs  of  major  im- 
portance impended,  no  occasion  was  presented  of 
testing  its  correctness ;  but,  soon  as  the  enemy  had 
retired,  and  before  it  was  ascertained  whether,  at 
some  more  fortunate  and  less  guarded  point,  they 
might  not  return,  to  renew  those  efforts  which  had 
so  lately  failed,  Doiiiinick  A.  Hall,  judge  of  the 
United  States'  court  for  this  district,  de  ermined  to 
wage  a  war  of  authority,  and  to  have  it  dt  oided,  if,  m 
any  event,  the  civil  power  could  be  deprived  of  su 
premacy.  Jackson  presumed  his  tune  of  too  much 
importance,  at  so  momentous  a  period,  to  be  vasted 
in  the  discussion  of  civil  matters.  He  gave  to  it, 
therefore,  the  only  attention  which  he  believed  't 


228  Lini    OF    3ENERAL    JACESON. 

nfRciousness  merited,  and,  instead  of  obejnng  th« 
command,  ordered  the  judge  to  leave  the  city. 
Peace  being  restored,  and  danger  over,  the  judge 
renewed  the  contest ;  and,  causing  the  general  to 
appear  before  him,  on  a  process  of  contempt,  for 
detaining  and  refusing  to  obey  a  writ  of  habeas 
corpus,  which  had  been  directed  to  him,  amerced 
him  in  a  fine  of  a  thousand  dollars.  How  far  he 
was  actuated  by  correct  motives,  in  exclusion  of 
those  feelings  which  sometimes  estrange  the  judg- 
ment, his  own  conscience  can  determine :  and 
how  far  his  proceedings  were  fair  and  liberal,  will 
appear  hereafter,  when,  in  proper  order,  we  exam- 
ine this  prosecution.  For  the  present,  we  are  con- 
fident, that,  if  ever  there  was  a  case  that  could  jus- 
tify or  excuse  a  departure  from  the  law,  its  features 
were  not  stronger  ^an  those  which  influenced  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  on  the  present  occasion,  in  suspend- 
ing the  rights  of  the  citizens.  If  Judge  Hall  were 
impelled  to  the  course  he  took,  in  defence  of  the 
violated  dignity  of  the  constitution,  and  to  protect 
the  rights  of  a  government,  whose  judicial  powers 
he  represented,  whether  right  or  wrong,  he  de- 
serves not  censure ;  although  it  might  be  well  re- 
plied, that  a  fairer  opportunity  of  showing  his  devot- 
edness  to  his  country  Lad  just  passed,  when  he  might 
truly  have  aided  in  defence  of  her  honour,  nor  left 
even  room  foi  his  motives  to  have  been  unfairly 
appreciatfid 

Learning  the  rumours  that  had  been  propagated, 
and  fearing  lest  they  might  have  an  injurious  ten- 
dency,  Jackson  immediately  circulated  an  aJdreaa 
to  his  troops,  in  which  he  sought  to  counteract  the 
efiect,  and  preserve  their  ardour  and  devotion  ta 
thmt  country. 


Un   OF   GBNIRAL    lACEfOlf.  tH 

**  Believe  not,"  he  observed,  "  that  the  threaten- 
ed invaaion  is  with  a  view  \r  restore  the  country  to 
Spain.  It  is  founded  in  design,  and  a  supposition 
that  you  would  be  willing  to  return  to  your  ancient 
government.  Listen  not  to  such  incredible  tales  : 
your  government  is  at  peace  wit^  Spain.  It  is  youi 
vital  enemy,  the  common  enemy  of  m  ankind,  the 
highway  robber  of  the  world,  that  has  sent  his  hire- 
lings among  you,  to  put  you  from  your  guard,  that 
you  may  fall  an  easier  prey.  Then  look  to  your 
liberty,  your  property,  the  chastHy  of  your  wives 
and  daughters.  Take  a  retrospect  of  the  conduct 
of  the  British  army  at  Hampton,  and  at  other  places, 
where  it  has  entered  our  country — and  every  bosom, 
which  glows  with  patriotism  and  virtue,  will  be  in- 
spired with  indignation,  and  pant  for  the  arrival  of 
the  hour  when  we  shall  meet  and  revenge  those 
outrages  against  the  laws  of  civilization  and  hu 

manity." 

With  the  exception  of  the  Kentucky  troops,  all 
the  forces  expected  had  arrived.  General  CarroU 
had  reached  Coffee's  encampment,  four  miles  above 
the  city,  on  the  21st,  and  had  immediately  reported 
to  the  commanding  general.  The  officers  wore 
busily  engaged  in  drilling,  manoeuvring,  and  or- 
ganizing the  troops,  and  in  haviriig  every  thing 
ready  for  action.  No  doubt  was  entertained,  but 
tlie  British  would  be  able  to  effect  a  landing  at 
some  point:  the  principal  thing  to  be  guarded 
agamst  was  not  to  prevent  it ;  for,  since  the  loss  of 
the  gun-boats,  any  attempt  of  this  kind  could  only 
be  regarded  as  hopeless .  but,  by  preserving  a  coi  - 
stant  vigilance,  they  might  be  met  at  the  ver\ 
threshold.  Small  guard-boats  v/ere  constantly  ply 
ij\g  on  the  lakes,  to  give  mibrmation  of  every  move 


StO  Lirm    OF    eEIfER4L    JArCSOR 

ment.  Some  of  these  had  come  in,  late  on  the 
evening  of  the  22d,  ai-d  reported  that  all  was  quiet, 
And  that  no  unfavourable  appearance  portended  in 
that  direction.  With  such  vigilance,  constantly 
exercised,  it  is  astonishing  that  the  enemy  should 
nave  effected  an  invasion,  and  succeeded  in  disem- 
barking so  large  a  force,  without  the  slighcest  inti 
rnation  being  had,  until  they  were  accidwntiLy  dis 
covered  emerging  from  the  swamp,  about  aeven 
miles  below  the  city.  The  general  impioKsion  is. 
that  it  was  through  information  given  by  a  small 
party  of  Spanish  fishermen,  that  so  secret  a  dise^i- 
barkation  was  effected.  Several  of  them  had  set- 
tled at  the  mouth  of  this  bayou,  and  supported  them- 
selves by  fish  which  they  caught,  and  vended  m  the 
market  at  New  Orleans.  Obstructions  had  been 
ordered  to  be  made  on  every  inlet,  and  the  Louis- 
iana militia  were  despatched  for  that  purpose.  This 
place  had  not  received  the  attention  its  importance 
merited  ;  nor  was  it  Until  the  22d,  that  General  Vil- 
lery,  charged  with  the  execution  of  this  order,  had 
placed  here  a  small  detachment  of  men.  Towards 
day,  the  enemy,  silently  proceeding  up  the  bayou 
landed,  and  succeeded  in  capturing  the  whole  of 
this  party  but  two,  who,  fleeing  to  the  swamp,  en- 
deavoured to  reach  the  city  ;  but,  owing  to  the 
thick  undergrowth  and  briers,  they  did  not  arrive 
antil  after  the  enemy  had  reached  the  banks  of  the 
Mississippi,  and  been  discovered. 

Bayou  Bienvenu,  through  which  the  British  ef- 
fected a  landing,  is  an  arm  of  considerable  width, 
stretching  towards  tire  Mississippi  from  Lake 
Borgne,  and  about  fifteen  miles  south-east  of  New 
Orleans.  It  had  been  reported  to  General  Jackson 
on  the  23d,  that,  on  the  day  before,  several  strange 


ura  or  aiNBRAL  iacuor.         ttl 

■til  had  been  deicried  off  Terre  au  BoBof.  To  ae- 
certain  correctly  the  truth  of  the  statement,  Majon 
Tatum  and  Latour,  topographical  engineers,  were 
sent,  with  orders  to  proceed  in  that  direction,  and 
learn  if  any  thing  were  attempting  there.  It  iraa 
towards  noon  of  the  23d,  when  they  started  Ap- 
proaching General  Villery's  plantation,  and  perceiv- 
ing at  a  distance  soldiers  and  persor-a  fleeing  away, 
they  at  once  supposed  the  enemy  had  arrived. 
What,  however,  was  but  surmise,  was  presently 
rendered  certain ;  and  it  was  now  no  longer  a  doubt, 
bat  the  British  had  landed,  in  considerable  force, 
and  had  actually  gained,  unobserved,  the  house  of 
General  Villery,  on  the  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
where  they  had  surprised,  and  made  prisoners,  a 
company  of  militia,  there  posted. 

Major  Tatum,  hastening  back,  announced  his 
discovery.  Preparations  to  act  were  immediately 
made  by  Genertil  Jackson.  Believing  that  to  act 
speedily  was  of  the  highest  importance,  the  signal 
guns  were  fired,  and  expresses  sent  forward,  to 
concentrate  his  forces ;  resolving  that  night  to 
meet  the  invaders,  and  try  his  own  and  their  firm- 
>ies8. 

20 


ttl      Uri  OP  OBNBRAL  lACKBOH. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

tfettrnl  Jackton  concentrates  his  forces,  and  inarches  to  Jig}it  the 
enemy. — Alarms  of  the  city. — Anecdote. — Mode  of  attack,  and 
beetle  of  tJu  23<i  of  Decetkber. — British  rt-enforcements  arrive 
during  the  action. — Arrivaiof  General  CarrolTs  division. — Our 
army  retires  from  the  field. — Effects  of  this  battle. — Jackson  es- 
tablishes a  line  of  defence. — General  Morgan  is  ordered  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  Mississippi. — Destruction  and  loss  of  the  Car- 
oline schooner. — Battle  of  tlie  28th  December. — Conduct  of  the 
legislature  of  Louisiana  ;  their  deliberations  suspended. — Scar- 
city of  arms  in  the  American  camp. — Colonel  muds. 

The  hour  to  test  the  bravery  of  his  troops  ar- 
rived. The  approach  of  the  enemy,  flushed  with 
the  hope  of  easy  victory,  was  announced  to  Jackson 
a  little  after  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  He  weU 
knew  the  greater  part  of  his  troops  were  inured  to 
fatigue,  while  those  opposed  to  him  had  just  been 
landed  from  a  long  voyage,  and  were  without  ac- 
tivity, and  unfitted  for  bodily  exertion.  Moreover 
a  part  only  might  have  arrived  from  the  shipping; 
while  the  remainder  would  be  certainly  disembark- 
ed as  early  as  possible.  These  circumstances 
seemed  to  augment,  in  his  behalf,  the  chances  of 
victory.  He  resolved,  at  all  events,  to  march,  and 
that  night  give  them  battle.  Generals  Coffee  and 
Carroll  were  ordered  to  proceed  immediately  from 
their  encampment,  and  join  him.  Although  four 
miles  above,  they  arrived  in  the  city  in  less  than 
two  hours  afler  the  order  had  been  issued.  These 
forces,  with  the  seventh  and  forty-fourth  regiments, 
the  Louisiana  troops,  and  Colonel  Hinds'  dragoons, 
from  Mississippi,  constituted  tlie  strengtli  of  hia 
armyi  which  could  be  carried  into  action  againsw  i  t 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  23S 

enemy  whose  numbers,  at  this  time,  could  only  be 
conjectured.     It  was  thought  advisable  tliat  Gen- 
eral Carroll  and  his  division  should  be  disposed  in 
the  rear,  for  the  reason  that  there  was  no  correct 
information  of  the  force  landed  through  Villery's 
Canal,  and  because  Jackson  feared  that  this  proba- 
bly might  be  merely  a  feint,  intended  to  divert  his 
attention,  while  a  more  numerous  division,  having 
already  gained  some  point  higher  on  the  lake,  might, 
by  advancing  in  his  absence,  gain  his  rear,  and  suc- 
ceed in  their  designs.     Uncertam  of  their  move- 
ments, it  was  essential  he  should  be  prepared  for 
the    worst,   and,   by    different   dispositions   of  his 
troops,  be  ready  to  resist,  in  whatever  quarter  he 
might  be  assailed.     Carroll,  therefore,  at  the  head 
of  his  division,  and   Governor  Claiborne,  with  the 
state  militia,  were   directed   to   take   post  on  the 
Gentilly  road,  which  leads  from  Chef  Menteur  to 
Now  Orleans,  and  to  defend  it  to  the  last  extremity. 
Alarm  pervaded  the  city.     The  marching  and 
countermarching  of  the  troops,  the  proximity  of  the 
enemy,  with  the  approaching  contest,  and  uncer- 
tainty of  the  issue,  had  excited   a  general  fear. 
Colonel   Hayne,  with  two  companies  of  riflemen, 
and  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  was  sent  forward  to 
reconnoitre   their  camp,  learn  their   position   and 
numbers ;  and,  in  the  event  they  should  be  found 
advancing,  to  harass  and   oppose  them   at  every 
step,  until  the  main  body  should  arrive. 

Every  thing  being  ready,  General  Jackson  com- 
menced his  march  to  meet  the  veteran  troops  of 
England.  An  inconsiderable  circumstance,  at  this 
moment,  evinced  what  unlimited  confidence  was  re 
posed  in  his  bravery.  As  his  troops  were  marching 
through  the  city,  his  ears  were  assailed  with  the 


St4  Uri    OF    UENERAL    JACILIOII. 

■crftamf  and  cries  of  iimumerable  females,  who  had 
collected  on  the  way,  and  seemed  to  apprehend  the 
worst  of  consequences.     Feeling  for  tlieir  distress- 
es, and  anxious  to  quiet  them,  he  directed  Mr.  Liv- 
ingston, one  of  his  aids-de-camp,  to  address  them 
m  the  French  language.     "  Say  to  them,"  said  he, 
"  not  to  be  alarmed  .  the  enemy  shall  never  reach 
the  city."     It  operated  like  an  electric  shock.     To 
know  that  he  himself  v/as  not  apprehensive  of  a  fatal 
result,  inspired  them  with  altered  feelings ;  sorrow 
was  ended,  and  their  grief  converted  into  confidence. 
The  general  arrived  in  view  of  the  enemy  a  lit- 
tle before  dark.     Having  ascertained  from  Colonel 
Hayne  their  position,  and  that  their  strength  was 
about  two  thousand  men,*  he  inmiediately  concert- 
ed the  mode  of  attack,  and  hastened  to  execute  it 
Commodore  Patterson,  who  commanded  the  naval 
forces  on  this  station,  with  Captain  Henly,  on  board 
the  Caroline,  had  been  directed  to  drop  down,  an- 
chor in  front  of  their  line,  and  open  upon  them  from 
♦^^he  guns  of  the  schooner :  this  being  the  appointed 
signal,  when  given,  the  attack  was  to  be  waged 
simultaneously  on  aU  sides.     The  fires  from  their 
camp  disclosed  their  position,  and  showed  their  en- 
campment, formed  with  the  left  resting  on  the  riv- 
er, and  extending  at   right  angles   into  the  open 
field.     General  Cofiee,  with  his  brigade,  Colonel 
Hinds'  dragoons,  and  Captam  Seal's  company  of 
riflemen,  were  ordered  to  oblique  to  the  left,  and, 
by  a  circuitous  route,  avoid  their  pickets,  and  en- 
deavour to  turn  their  right  wing ;  hiving  succeed- 

*  This  opinion,  as  it  afterwards  appeared,  was  incorrect.  Tbt 
number  of  the  enemy,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  wai 
three  thousand,  and  was  shortly  afterwards  increased  by  addition* 
•i  forcei  :  our  stren^b  did  not  exceed  twv  tbouMmd. 


UPB    OF   GENERAL   JACKHOM.  286 

ed  in  this,  to  fonn  his  line,  and  press  the  enemy  to- 
wards the  river,  where  they  would  be  exposed  more 
completely  to  the  fire  of  the  Caroline.  The  rest  of 
the  troops,  consisting  of  he  regulars,  Ploache'a 
city  volunteers,  Daquin's  coloured  troops,  the  artil- 
lery under  Lieutenant  Spotts,  supported  by  a  compa- 
ny of  marines  commanded  by  Colonel  M'Kee,  ad- 
vanced on  the  road  along  the  bank  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  were  commanded  by  Jackson  in  person. 

General  Coffee  with  caution  had  advanced  be- 
yond their  pickets,  next  the  swamp,  and  nearly 
reached  the  point  to  wliich  he  a  as  ordered,  when  a 
broadside  from  the  Caroime  announced  the  battle 
begun.  Patterson  had  proceeded  slowly,  giving 
time,  as  he  believed,  for  the  execution  of  those  ar- 
rangements contemplated  on  the  shore.  So  san- 
guine had  the  British  been  in  the  belief  that  they 
would  be  kindly  received,  and  little  opposition  at- 
tempted, that  the  Caroline  floated  by  the  sentinels, 
and  anchored  before  their  camp,  without  any  kind 
of  molestation.  On  passing  the  front  picket,  she 
w«is  hailed  in  a  low  tone  of  voice,  but,  not  returning 
an  answer,  no  further  question  was  made.  This, 
added  to  some  other  circumstances,  confirmed  the 
opinion  that  they  believed  her  a  vessel  laden  with 
provisions,  which  had  been  sent  out  from  New  Or- 
leans, and  was  intended  for  them.  Having  reach 
ed  what,  from  their  fires,  appeared  to  be  the  centre 
of  their  encampment,  her  anchors  were  cast,  and 
her  character  and  business  disclosed  from  her  guns 
So  unexpected  an  attack  produced  a  momentarj 
confusion  ;  but,  recovering,  she  was  answered  by » 
discharge  of  musketry,  and  flight  of  congreve  rock- 
ets, which  passed  without  njury,  while  the  grap« 
and  canister  from  her  gum  were  pouring  de«iru€ 
20* 


186  Un    OF   GSNE&AL  JACKSOJI. 

tively  on  them.  To  take  away  the  certainty  of  aim 
affbrded  by  the  light  from  their  fires,  theie  were 
immediately  extinguished,  and  they  retired  two  or 
turee  hundred  yards  into  the  open  field,  if  not  out 
of  the  reach  of  the  cannon,  at  least  to  a  distance 
where,  by  the  darkness  of  the  night,  they  would  be 
protected. 

Coffee  had  dismounted  his  men,  and  turnea  his 
horses  loose,  at  a  large  ditch,  next  the  swamp,  in  the 
rear  of  Larond's  plantation,  ;iiid  gained,  as  he  be- 
Ueved,  the  centre  of  the  enemy's  line,  when  the  sig- 
nal from  the  Caroline  reached  him.  He  directly 
wheeled  hia  columns  in,  and,  extending  his  line  par- 
allel with  the  river,  moved  towards  their  camo. 
He  had  advanced  scarcely  more  than  a  hundred 
yards,  when  he  received  a  heavy  fire  from  a  line 
formed  in  his  front ;  this,  to  him,  was  unexpected, 
afi  he  supposed  the  enemy  lying  principally  at  a 
distance,  and  that  the  only  opposition  he  should 
meet,  until  he  approached  towards  the  levee,*  would 
be  from  their  advanced  pickets.  The  circumstance 
of  his  coming  in  contact  with  them  so  soon  was 
owing  to  the  severe  attack  of  the  schooner,  which 
had  compelled  tlie  enemy  to  abandon  their  camp, 
and  form  without  the  reach  of  her  guns.  The 
moon  shone,  but  reflected  her  light  too  feebly  to 
discover  objects  at  a  distance.  The  only  means, 
therefore,  of  producing  certain  effect,  with  tlie  kind 
of  force  engaged,  which  consisted  chiefly  of  rifle- 

*  Banks  thrown  up  on  the  margin  of  the  river  to  confine  the 
stream  to  its  bed )  and  which  are  extended  along  the  Mississippi 
on  both  sides,  from  the  termination  of  the  highlands,  near  Baton 
Rouge.  Frequemlv  tlje  river,  in  its  vernal  floods,  rises  above  the 
elevation  of  the  plains,  and  then  the  security  of  the  countr} 
depends  on  the  gtrenglh  of  those  levees  ;  Uiey  not  unfrequen* 
y  oroak,  wbea  incalculable  ^iijiuy  i:i  the  consequence. 


Um   Ol    eXNCRAL  JACKfOM.  tt7 

men,  was  not  to  venture  at  random,  but  to  discharge 
their  pieces  only  when  there  should  be  a  certainty 
of  felling  the  object.  This  order  being  given,  the 
line  pressed  on,  and,  having  gained  a  position  near 
enough  to  dbtinguish,  a  general  fire  was  given  .  it 
was  well  directed,  and  too  destructive  to  be  with- 
stood :  the  enemy  gave  way,  and  retreated, — ral- 
lied,— formed, — were  charged,  and  again  retreated. 
Our  gallant  yeomanry,  led  by  their  brave  command  ■ 
er,  urged  fearlessly  on,  and  drove  their  invader" 
from  every  position  they  attempted  to  maintain. 

The  enemy,  driven  back  by  the  resolute  firnmess 
of  the  assailants,  had  now  reached  a  grove  of  orange 
trees,  witli  a  ditch  running  past  it,  protected  by  a 
fence  on  the  margin.  Here  they  halted,  and  form- 
ed for  battle.  It  was  a  position  promising  securi 
ty,  and  was  occupied  with  confidence.  Coifee's 
dauntless  yeomanry,  strengthened  in  their  hopes  of 
success,  moved  on,  nor  discovered  the  advantages 
against  them,  until  a  fire  from  tlie  entire  British 
line  showed  their  position.  A  sudden  check  was 
given ;  but  it  was  only  momentary ;  for,  gathering 
fresh  ardour,  they  charged  across  the  ditch,  gave  a 
deadly  fiie,  and  forced  them  to  retire.  The  retreat 
continued,  until,  gaining  a  similar  position,  the  ene- 
my made  another  stand,  and  were  again  driven  from 
it  with  considerable  loss. 

Thus  the  battle  raged  on  the  left  wing,  until  the 
British  reached  the  bank  of  the  river ;  here  a  de- 
termined stand  was  made,  and  further  encroach- 
ments resisted ;  for  half  an  hour  the  conflict  was 
extremely  violent  on  both  sides.  The  American 
troops  could  not  be  driven  from  their  purpose,  noi 
the  British  made  to  yield  their  ground;  but  al 
length,  having  suffered  greatly,  the  latter  were  un 


tt8  UPI  or  eiNERAL  jacejon. 

der  the  necessity  of  taking  refuge  behind  the  levoc^ 
which  affordeii  a  breast-work,  and  protected  them 
from  the  fatal  fire  of  our  riflemen.  Coffee,  unac- 
quainted with  their  position,  for  the  darkness  had 
greatly  increased,  already  contemplated  again  to 
charge  them ;  but  one  of  his  officers,  who  had  dis- 
covered the  advantage  iheir  situation  gave  them, 
assured  him  it  was  too  hazardous  ;  that  they  could 
be  driven  no  farther,  and  would,  from  the  point  they 
occupied,  resist  with  the  bayonet,  and  repel,  with 
considerable  loss,  any  attempt  that  might  be  made 
to  dislodge  them.  The  place  of  their  retirement- 
was  covered  in  front  by  a  strong  bank,  which  had 
been  extended  into  the  field,  to  keep  out  the  river, 
in  consequence  of  the  first  being  encroached  upon, 
and  undermined  in  several  places  :  the  former,  how- 
ever, was  still  entire  in  many  pa  rts,  which,  inter- 
posing between  them  and  the  Mississippi,  afforded  se- 
curity from  the  broadsjdes  of  the  schooner,  which 
lay  off  at  some  distance.  A  further  apprehension, 
lest,  by  moving  still  nearer  to  the  river,  he  might 
greatly  expose  himself  to  the  fire  of  the  Caroline, 
which  was  yet  spiritedly  maintaining  the  conflict, 
induced  Coffee  to  retire  until  he  could  hear  from 
the  commanding  general,  and  receive  his  orders. 

During  this  time,  the  right  wing,  under  Jackson, 
had  been  no  less  active.  A  detachment  of  artille- 
ry, under  Lieutenant  Spotts,  supported  by  sLxty  ma- 
rines, constituting  the  advance,  had  .noved  down 
the  -oad  next  the  levee.  On  their  left  was  the 
seventh  regiment  of  infantry,  led  by  Major  Pie  re. 
The  forty-fourth,  commanded  by  Major  Baker,  was 
formed  on  the  extreme  left ;  while  Plauche's  and 
Daquin's  battalions  of  city  guards  were  directed 
to  b«  posted  in  the  centre,  between  the  seventb  and 


urn  or  obniral  iackion.         Stf 

Ibrty-fburth.  The  general  had  ordered  Cobnej 
Rosa,  who,  during  the  night,  acted  in  the  capacity 
of  brigadier-general, — for  he  was  without  a  briga- 
dier,—on  hearing  the  signal  from  the  Caroline,  to 
move  off  by  heads  of  companies,  and,  on  reaching 
the  enemy's  line,  to  deploy,  and  unite  the  left  wing 
of  his  command  with  the  right  of  General  Coffee's. 
This  order  was  omitted  to  be  executed ;  and  the 
consequence  was  confusion  in  the  ranks. 

Instead  of  n  oving  in  column  from  the  first  posi- 
tion, the  troops,  with  the  exception  of  the  seventh 
regiment,  next  the  person  of  the  general,  which 
advanced  agreeably   to  the   instructions  that  had 
been  given,  were  formed  and  marched  in  extended 
line.     Having  sufficient  ground  to  form  on  at  first, 
no  inconvenience  was  at  the  moment  sustained  -,  but, 
this  advantage  presently  failing,  the  centre  became 
compressed,  and  was  forced  in  the  rear.     The  river, 
from  where  they  were  formed,  gradually  inclined  to 
the  left,  and  diminished  the  space  originally  pos 
sessed :  farther  in  stood  Larond's  house,  surround 
ed  by  a  grove  of  clustered  orange  trees  ;  thi«  press- 
ing the  left,  and  the  river  the  right  wing  to  the  cen- 
tre, formed  a  curve,  which  presently  threw  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  Plaucne's  and  Daquin's  battalions  with- 
out the  line.     This  inconvenience  might  have  been 
remedied,  but  for  the  briskness  of  the  advance,  and 
for  the  darkness  of  the  night.     A  heavy  fire  from 
behind  a  fence,    immediately    before   them,   had 
brought  the  enemy  to  view.     Acting  in  obedience 
to  their  orders  not  to  waste  their  ammunition  at 
random,  our  troops  had  pressed  forward  against  the 
opposition  in  their  front,  and  thereby  threw  thorn 
^ttalioni  in  the  rear 


t40     urm  of  qinbral  jackboh. 

A  fbgf  ruring  fi'om  the  river,  which,  added  to  the 
imoke  ftx)m  the  guns,  was  covering  the  plain  grad< 
ually,  diminished  the  little  light  shed  by  the  moon, 
and  greatly  increased  the  darkness  of  the  night 
no  clue  wa«  left  to  ascertain  how  the  enemy  were 
situated.  There  was  no  alternative  but  to  move  on 
in  the  direction  of  their  fire,  which  subjected  the 
assailants  to  material  disadvantages.  The  British, 
driven  from  their  first  position,  had  retired  back, 
and  occupied  another,  behind  a  deep  ditch,  that  ran 
out  of  the  Mississippi  towards  the  swamp,  on  the 
margin  of  which  was  a  wood  railed  fence.  Here, 
strengthened  by  increased  numbers,  they  again  op- 
posed the  advance  of  our  troops.  Having  waited 
until  they  had  approached  sufficiently  near  to  be 
discovered,  they  discharged  a  fire  upon  the  advanc- 
ing army.  Instantly  our  battery  was  formed,  and 
poured  destructively  upon  them ;  while  the  infan- 
try, pressing  forward,  aided  in  the  conflict,  which  a* 
this  point  was  for  some  time  spiritedly  maintained. 
At  this  moment,  a  brisk  sally  was  made  upon  our 
advance,  when  the  marines,  unequal  to  the  assault 
were  already  giving  way.  The  adjutant-general, 
and  Colonels  Piatt  and  Chotard,  with  a  part  of  the 
seventh,  hastening  to  their  support,  drove  the  ene- 
my, and  saved  the  artillery  from  capture.  Generaj 
Jackson,  perceiving  the  decided  advantages  which 
were  derived  from  the  position  they  occupied,  or- 
dered their  line  to  be  charged.  It  was  obeyed  and 
executed  with  promptness.  Pressing  on,  our  troops 
gained  the  ditch,  and,  pouring  across  it  a  we.U-aim- 
ed  fire,  compelled  them  to  retreat,  and  abandon 
their  entrenchment.  The  plain,  on  which  they 
were  contending,  was  cut  to  pieces,  by  racea  from 
Ihc  rlTer,  to  convey  the  water  to  the  ewamp.     The 


UFl  or  GENERAL  JACKSON.       141 

enemy  were,  therefore,  very  soon  enabled  x>  occit 
py  another  position,  equally  favourable  with  the  one 
whence  they  had  been  just  driven,  where  they  form 
ed  for  battle,  and,  for  some  time,  gallantly  main- 
tained themselves  ;  but  which,  after  stubborn  resist- 
ance, they  were  forced  to  yield. 

The  enemy,  discovering  the  obstinate  advance 
made  by  the  right  wing  of  the  American  army,  and  pre 
suming  perhaps  that  its  principal  strength  was  post 
ed  on  the  road,  formed  the  intention  of  attacking 
violently  the  left.  Obliquing  for  this  purpose,  an 
attempt  was  made  to  turn  it.  At  this  moment,  Da- 
quin's  and  the  battalion  of  city  guards,  being  march- 
ed up,  and  formed  on  the  left  of  the  forty-fourth 
regiment,  repulsed  them. 

The  particular  moment  of  the  contest  prevented 
many  of  those  benefits,  which  might  have  been  de- 
rived from  the  artillery.  The  darkness  of  the  night 
was  auch,  that  the  blaze  of  the  enemy's  musketry 
was  the  only  light  afforded,  by  which  to  determine 
their  position,  or  be  capable  of  taking  our  own  to 
advantage  ;  yet,  notwithstanding,  it  greatly  annoy- 
ed them,  whenever  it  could  be  brought  to  bear. 
Directed  by  Lieutenant  Spotts,  a  vigilant  and  skil- 
fbl  officer,  with  men  to  aid  him  who  looked  to  noth- 
mg  but  a  zealous  discharge  of  their  duty,  the  moat 
important  services  were  rendered. 

The  enemy  had  been  thrice  beaten,  and  for  near- 
ly a  mile  compelled  to  yield  their  ground.  They 
had  now  retired,  and,  if  found,  were  to.  be  sought 
for  amidst  the  darkness  of  the  night.  The  gene- 
ral determined  to  halt,  and  ascertain  Coffee's  posi- 
tion and  success,  previously  to  waging  the  battle 
further  ;  for  as  yet  no  communication  had  passed 
between  them.     The  Caroline  had  almost  ccaaed 


t4S  idru  or  oinbral  jackiom. 

her  operatioiu ;  it  being  only  occasionally,  that  the 
noiae  of  her  guns  disclosed  the  little  opportunity 
3he  possessed  of  acting  efficiently. 

The  express  despatched  to  General  Jackson  froia 
the  left  wing  having  reached  him,  he  determined 
to  prosecute  the  successes  he  had  gained  no  fur- 
ther. The  darkness  of  the  night,  the  confusion 
into  which  his  own  division  had  been  thrown,  and  a 
similar  disaster  produced  on  the  part  of  Coffee, — all 
pointed  to  tlie  necessity  of  retiring  from  the  field. 
The  bravery  displayed  by  his  troops  had  induced 
a  belief,  that,  by  pressing  forward,  he  might  capture 
the  whole  British  army  :  at  any  rate,  he  considered 
it  but  a  game  of  hazard,  which,  if  unsuccessful,  could 
not  occasion  his  own  defeat.  If  incompetent  to  its 
execution,  and  superior  numbers,  or  superior  disci- 
pline, should  compel  him  to  recede  from  the  effort, 
he  well  knew  the  enemy  would  not  have  temerity 
enough  to  attempt  pursuit.  The  extreme  darki^ess, 
their  entire  ignorance  of  the  situation  of  the  coun- 
try, and  an  apprehension  lest  their  forces  might 
be  greatly  outnumbered,  afforded  sufficient  reasons 
on  which  to  ground  a  belief,  that,  although  beaten 
from  his  purpose,  he  would  yet  have  it  in  his  power 
to  retire  in  safety  ;  but,  on  the  arrival  of  the  ex- 
press from  General  Coffee,  learning  the  strong  po- 
sition to  which  the  enemy  had  retired,  and  that  a 
part  of  the  left  wing  had  been  detached,  and  were 
in  all  probability  captured,  he  determined  to  retire 
from  the  contest,  nor  attempt  a  further  urosecution 
of  his  successes.  General  Coffee  was  accordingly 
directed  to  withdraw,  and  take  a  position  at  Larond's 
plantation,  where  the  line  had  been  fint  formed: 
and  thither  the  troope  on  the  right  were  tifo  order- 
ed to  be  marched. 


LIFI    OF  GENERAL   lACKflON.  S4i 

The  Iwt  charge  made  by  the  left  wing  had  lep 
arated  from  the  main  body  Colonels  Dyer  and  Gib- 
son, with  two  hundred  men,  and  Captain  Beal's  com- 
pany of  riflemen.  What  might  be  their  fate ; 
whether  they  were  captured,  or  had  effected  their 
retreat,  was,  at  this  time,  altogether  uncertain ;  be 
Jiat  as  it  might.  Coffee's  command  was  considera- 
oly  weakened. 

Colonel  Dyer,  who  commanded  the  extreme  lefl, 
on  clearing  the  grove,  afler  the  enemy  had  retired, 
was  marching  in  a  direction  where  he  expected  to 
find  General  Coffee :  he  very  soon  discovered  a 
force  in  front,  and,  halting  his  men,  hastened  towards 
it :  arriving  within  a  short  distance,  he  was  hailed, 
ordered  to  stop,  and  report  to  whom  he  belonged : 
Dyer,  and  Gibson,  his  lieutenant-colonel,  who  ac- 
companied him,  advanced,  and  stated  they  were  of 
Coflfee's  brigade :  by  this  time  they  had  arrived 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  line,  and,  perceivinfj 
that  the  name  of  the  brigade  they  had  stated  waa 
not  understood,  their  apprehensions  were  awaken- 
ed, lest  it  might  be  a  detachment  of  the  enemy  ;  m 
this  opinion  they  were  immediately  confirmed,  and, 
wheeling  to  return,  were  fired  on  and  pursued. 
Gibson  had  scarcely  started  when  he  fell :  before 
he  could  recover,  a  soldier,  quicker  than  the  rest, 
had  reached  him,  and  pinned  him  to  the  ground 
with  his  bayonet;  fortunately  the  stab  had  but 
slightly  wounded  him,  and  he  was  only  held  by  his 
clothes  ;  thus  pinioned,  and  perceiving  others  to  be 
briskly  advancing,  but  a  moment  was  left  for  delib- 
eration ; — making  a  violent  exertion,  and  springing 
to  his  feet,  he  threw  his  assailant  to  the  ground,  and 
made  good  his  retreat.  Colonel  Dyer  had  retreat- 
ed about  fiflv  vards,  vviien  his  horse  dropped  dea(} ; 
21 


944  Uri    op   GENERAL   JACKIOlf. 

entangled  in  the  fall,  and  slightly  wounded  in  the 
thign,  there  was  little  prospect  of  relief,  for  the  en- 
emy were  briskly  advancing ;  his  men  being  near 
at  hand,  he  ordered  them  to  advance  and  fire,  which 
checked  their  approach,  and  enabled  him  to  escape. 
Being  now  at  the  head  of  his  command,  perceiv- 
ing an  enemy  in  a  direction  he  had  not  expected, 
and  uncertain  how  or  where  he  might  find  General 
Coffee,  he  determined  to  seek  him  to  tlie  right,  and. 
moving  on  with  his  little  band,  forced  his  way  through 
the  enemy's  linos,  with  the  loss  of  sixty-three  ol 
his  men,  who  were  killed  and  taken.  Captain  Beal 
with  equal  bravery,  chargred  through  the  enemy,  car 
rying  off  some  nriaonorw,  and  losing  several  of  his 
own  company. 

This  re-enforcemeni  of  the  British  had  arrived 
from  Bayou  Bienvenu,  aflor  nio^lit.  The  boats  that 
landed  the  first  detachment  proceeded  back  to  tho 
shipping,  and,  having  returned,  were  on  their  way 
up  the  bayou,  when  they  heard  the  gruns  ot  the 
Caroline  ;  moving  hastily  on  to  the  assistance  of 
those  who  had  debarked  before,  they  reached  tlie 
shore,  and,  knowing  nothing  of  the  situation  of  the 
two  armies,  during  the  engagement  advanced  in  the 
rear  of  Gancral  Coffee's  brig-ade.  Coming  in  con- 
tact  with  Colonel  Dyer  and  Captain  Beal,  tliey  filed 
off  to  the  left,  and  reached  the  British  lines. 

This  detached  part  of  Coffee's  brigade,  unable  to 
unite  with,  or  find  him,  retired  to  the  place  where 
they  had  first  formed,  and  joined  Colonel  Hinds' 
Jragoons,  which  had  remained  on  the  ground  where 
the  troops  had  first  dismounted,  that  they  might  cov- 
er their  retreat,  in  the  event  it  became  necessary. 

Jackson  had  gone  into  this  battle  confident  of 
f  ucceflfl ;  and  his  arrangements  were  such  as  would 


LIWM    or   GENERAL    JACKSON.  S4I 

haT0  eiuured  it,  even  to  a  much  greater  extent,  but 
for  the  intervention  of  circumstances  that  were  not, 
ind  could  not  be  foreseen.  The  Caroline  had  giv- 
en her  signals,  and  commenced  the  battle,  a  iittlo 
too  early,  before  Coffee  had  reached  his  position 
and  before  every  thing  was  fully  in  readiness  to  at 
tain  the  objects  designed :  but  it  was  chiefly  owing 
to  the  confusion  introduced  at  first  into  the  ranks, 
which  checked  the  rapidity  of  his  advance,  gave 
the  enemy  time  for  preparation,  and  prevented  his 
division  from  uniting  with  the  right  wing  of  Gener- 
al Coffee's  brigade. 

Colonel  Hinds,  with  one  hundred  and  eighty  dra- 
goons, was  not  brought  into  action  during  the  night 
Interspersed  as  the  plain  was  with  mnumerable 
ditches,  diverging  in  different  directions,  it  waa  im- 
possible that  cavalry  could  act  to  any  kind  of  ad- 
vantage: they  were  now  formed  in  advance,  to 
watch,  until  morning,  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 

Prom  the  experiment  just  made,  Jackson  believ- 
ed it  would  be  in  his  power,  on  renewing  the  attack, 
•»  capture  the  British  army :  he  concluded,  there- 
fore, to  order  down  to  his  assistance  General  Car- 
roll with  his  division,  and  to  assail  them  again  at 
the  dawn  of  day.  Directing  Governor  C  aiborne 
to  remain  at  his  post,  with  tlie  Louisiana  militia,  for 
the  defence  of  an  important  pass  to  the  city,  the 
GentUly  road,  he  despatched  an  express  to  Carroll, 
stating  to  him,  that,  in  the  event  tliere  had  been  no 
appearance  of  a  force  during  the  night,  in  the  di 
rection  of  Chef  Menteur,  to  join  him  with  the  troops 
under  his  command :  this  order  was  executed  by 
one  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Previously,  howeverj 
to  his  arrival,  a  different  determination  was  made 
Prom  prisoners  who  had  been  brought  in,  and  through 


146  UFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

deserters,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  strength  cf 
the  enemy,  during  the  battle,  was  four  tliousand, 
and,  with  L-e  re-enforcements  which  had  reached 
them,  after  its  commencement,  and  during  the  ac- 
tion, their  force  could  rot  be  less  than  six : — at  any 
rate,  it  would  greatly  e^.  "^eed  his  own,  even  after 
the  Tennessee  division  should  be  added.  Although 
very  decided  advantages  had  been  obtained,  yet 
they  had  been  procured  under  circumstances  that 
might  be  wholly  lost  in  a  contest  waged,  in  open 
day,  between  forces  so  disproportionate,  and  by  un- 
disciplined troops,  against  veteran  soldiers.  Jack 
son  well  knew  it  was  incumbent  upon  him  to  act  a 
part  entirely  defensive  :  should  the  attempt  to  de- 
stroy the  city  succeed,  numerous  difficulties  would 
present  themselves,  which  might  be  avoided,  so  long 
as  he  could  hold  the  enemy  in  check.  Prompted 
by  these  considerations,  and  believing  it  attainable 
\n  no  way  so  effectually  as  in  occupying  some  point, 
and,  by  the  strength  he  might  give  it,  compensate 
for  the  inferiority  of  his  numbers,  and  their  want 
of  discipline,  he  determined  to  forbear  all  further 
offensive  efforts  until  he  could  more  certainly  dis- 
cover the  views  of  the  enemy,  and  until  the  Ken- 
tucky troops  should  reach  him.  Pursuing  this  idea, 
at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  having  ordered  Co- 
lonel Hinds  to  occupy  the  ground  he  was  then  aban- 
doning, and  to  observe  the  enemy  closely,  ho  fell 
back,  and  formed  his  line  behind  a  deep  ditch  thai 
stretched  to  ths  swamp  at  right  angles  from  the 
river.  Thsre  were  two  circumstances  recommend- 
ing the  importance  of  this  place  :  the  swamp,  which, 
from  the  high  lands,  at  Baton  Rouge,  skirts  the  riv- 
er at  irregular  distances,  and  in  many  places  is  al- 
ncMit  im^wrvioui,  had  here  approached  within  tout 


tdWm   OP   OBNERAL   JACKSON.  347 

nundred  yard/;  of  the  Mississippi,  and  hence,  from 
the  narrowness  of  the  pass,  was  more  easily  to  be 
defended ;  added  to  which,  there  was  a  deep  canal, 
whence  the  dirt,  being  thrown  on  the  upper  aide,  al- 
ready formed  a  tolerable  work  of  defence.  Behind 
this  his  troops  were  formed,  and  proper  measures 
adopted  for  increasing  its  strength,  with  a  deter- 
mination never  to  abandon  it. 

Promptitude  in  decision,  and  activity  in  execu- 
tion, constituted  the  leading  traits  of  Jackson's  char- 
acter. No  sooner  had  he  resolved  on  the  course 
which  he  thought  necessary  to  be  pursued,  than  with 
every  possible  despatch  he  hastened  to  ita  comple- 
tion. Before  him  was  an  army  proud  of  its  name, 
and  distinguished  for  its  deeds  of  valour  ;  oppos- 
ed to  which  was  his  own  unbending  spirit,  and  an 
inferior,  undisciplined  and  unarmed  force.  He  con- 
ceived, therefore,  that  his  was  a  defensive  policy : 
that,  by  prudence,  he  should-  be  able  to  preserve 
what  offensive  operation  might  have  a  tendency  to 
endanger.  Hence,  with  activity  and  industry,  bas- 
ed on  a  hope  of  ultimate  success,  he  commenced  his 
plan  of  defence,  determining  to  fortify  himself  effect- 
ually, as  the  peril  and  pressure  of  the  moment  would 
permit.  When  to  expect  attack  he  could  not  tell; 
readiness  to  meet  it  was  for  him  to  determine  on ;  alj 
else  was  for  the  enemy.  Promptly,  therefore,  he  pro- 
ceeded with  his  system  of  defence  ;  and  with  such 
anxiety,  that,  until  the  night  of  the  27th,  when  his  line 
was  completed,  he  never  slept,  or  for  a  moment 
closed  his  eyes.  Resting  his  hope  of  safety  here, 
he  was  every  where,  through  the  night,  present,  en- 
couraging his  troops,  and  hastening  a  completion  of 
the  work.  The  excitement  produced  by  the  mighty 
object  before  him  was  such  as  overcame  the  demajMl 


i48  UPI    OP   SINKRAL   lACftflOM. 

of  natuie,  and  fbr  five  days  and  four  nights  he  wu 
without  sleep,  and  constantly  employed.  His  line 
of  defence  beiug  completed  on  the  night  of  the 
27th,  he,  for  the  first  time  since  the  arrival  of  the 
enemy,  retired  to  rest  and  r'pose. 

The  soldier  who  has  stood  the  shock  of  battle, 
and  knows  what  slight  circumstances  oftentimes 
proauce  decided  advantages,  will  be  able  to  appre- 
ciate the  events  of  this  night.  Although  tlie  dread- 
ful carnage  of  the  8th  of  January,  hereafter  to  be 
told,  was  in  fact  the  finishing  blow,  that  struck  down 
the  towering  hopes  of  those  invaders,  yet  iji  the 
battle  of  the  23d  is  there  to  be  found  abundant 
cause  why  success  resulted  to  our  arms.  The  Brit- 
ish had  reached  the  Mississippi  without  the  fire  of 
a  gun,  and  encamped  upon  its  banks  as  composed 
ly  as  if  they  had  been  seated  on  their  own  soi". 
These  were  circumstances  which  awakened  a  be 
lief  that  they  expected  little  opposition,  were  cer- 
tain of  success,  and  that  the  troops  with  whom 
they  were  to  contend  would  scarcely  venture  to  re- 
sist them :  resting  thus  confidently  in  the  expacta- 
tionof  success,  they  would  the  next  day  have  mov- 
ed forward,  and  succeeded  in  the  accomplishment 
of  their  designs.  Jackson,  convinced  that  an  ear- 
ly impression  was  essential  to  ultimate  success,  had 
resolved  to  assail  them  at  the  moment  of  their  land- 
ing, and  "  attack  them  in  their  first  position  :"  we 
have,  therefore,  seen  him,  with  a  force  inferior,  by 
one  half,  to  that  of  the  enemy,  at  an  unexpected 
moment,  break  into  their  camp,  and,  with  his  undis- 
ciplined yeomanry,  drive  before  him  the  pride  of 
England,  and  the  conquerors  of  Europe.  It  was 
an  event  that  could  not  fail  to  destroy  all  previoua 
tbeoriea,  and  establigh  a  conclusion,  which  our  en- 


LIFK    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  249 

emy  had  not  before  formed,  that  they  were  con- 
tending against  valour  inferior  to  none  they  had 
seen; — before  which  their  own  bravery  had  not 
stood,  nor  their  skill  availed  them :  it  had  the  ef- 
fect of  satisfying  them,  that  the  quantity  and  kind 
of  troops  it  was  in  our  power  to  wield,  must  be  dif- 
ferent from  any  thing  that  had  been  represented  to 
them  ;  for,  much  as  they  had  heard  of  the  courage 
of  the  man  with  whom  they  were  contending,  they 
could  not  suppose,  that  a  general,  having  a  country 
to  defend,  and  a  reputation  to  preserve,  would  ven- 
ture to  attack,  on  their  own  chosen  ground,  a  great 
iy  superior  army,  and  one,  which,  by  the  numerous 
victories  it  had  achieved,  had  already  acquired  a 
feme  in  arms ;  they  were  convinced  that  his  force 
must  greatly  surpass  what  they  had  expected,  and 
be  composed  of  materials  different  from  what  they 
had  imagined. 

The  American  troops,  which  were  actually  en- 
gaged, did  not  amount  to  two  thoufland  men  :  they 
consisted  of  part  of 

Coffee's  brigade  and  Captain  Seal's  company,  648 
The  7th  and  44th  regiments,        -  -         763 

Company  of  marines  and  artillery,      -         -      82 
Plauche's  and  Daquin's  battalions,  -         488 

And  the  Mississippi  dragoons  under  Colonel  i 
Hinds,  not  in  the  action,       -        -  |    *®^ 

2167* 
which,  for  more  than  an  hour,  maintained  a  severe 
conflict  with  a  force  of  four  or  five  thousand,  and 
retired  in  safety  from  the  ground,  with  the  loss  of 


•  Thu  itatQinent  may  be  relied  on  j  it  wan  fumithed  to  the  au- 
thor by  Colonel  Robert  Butler,  adjutant-general  of  tht  m»itimt 
iivitum,  wbo  BMured  bim  it  was  conmd. 


Um    OP   eiNBRAL    JACK0OH 

but  twenty-four  killed,  one  hundred  and  fifteen 
wounded,  and  seventy-four  made  prisoners  ;  while 
the  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  of  the  enemy, 
were  not  less  than  four  hundred. 

Our  officers  and  soldiers  executed  every  order 
with  promptitude,  and  nobly  sustained  their  coun- 
try's character.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Lauderdale, 
of  Coffee's  brigade,  an  officer  of  great  promise,  and 
on  whom  every  reliance  was  placed,  fell  at  his  post, 
and  at  his  duty :  he  had  entered  the  service,  and 
descended  the  river  with  the  volunteers  under  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  in  the  winter  of  1812,  passed  through 
all  the  hardships  of  the  Creek  war,  and  had  ever 
manifested  a  readiness  to  act  when  nis  country 
needed  his  services.  Young,  brave,  and  skilful,  h« 
had  already  afforded  evidences  of  a  capacity,  which 
might,  in  fUture,  have  become  useful ;  his  exemplary 
conduct,  both  in  civil  and  military  life,  had  acquired 
for  him  a  respect,  that  rendered  his  fall  a  subject 
of  general  regret  Lieutenant  M<Lelland,  a  valua- 
ble young  officer  of  the  7th,  was  also  among  the 
number  of  the  slain. 

Coffee's  brigade,  during  the  action,  bravely  sup- 
ported the  character  they  had  established.  The 
unequal  contest  in  which  Uiey  were  engaged  tever 
occurred,  nor,  for  a  moment,  checked  the  rapidity 
of  their  advance.  Had  the  British  known  vhey 
were  riflemen,  without  bayonets,  a  firm  stand  would 
nave  arrested  their  progress,  and  destruction  or 
capture  would  have  been  the  inevitable  conse- 
quence ;  but  this  being  unknown,  every  charge 
they  made  was  crowned  with  success.  Officers, 
Srom  the  highest  to  inferior  grades,  discharged 
what  had  been  expected  of  them.  Ensign  Leach, 
of  the  7tL  regiment,  being  wounded  through  the 


LIFk    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  ffi] 

body,  still  remained  at  his  post,  and  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duty.  Colonel  Reuben  Kemper, 
amidst  the  confusion  introduced  on  the  left  wing, 
found  himself  at  the  head  of  a  handful  of  men,  de- 
tached from  the  main  body,  and  in  tiie  midst  of  e. 
party  of  the  enemy  :  to  attempt  resistance  was  idle ; 
he  sought  safety  through  stratngem.  Calling  to  8 
group  of  soldiers  who  were  near,  in  a  positive  tone 
he  demanded  of  them  where  their  regiment  was 
lost  themselves,  they  were  unable  to  answer ;  but 
supposing  him  one  of  their  own  officers,  they  assent 
ed  to  his  orders,  and  followed  him  to  his  own  line, 
where  they  were  made  prisoners. 

The  7th  regiment,  commanded  by  Major  Piere, 
and  the  44th,  under  Major  Baker,  aided  by  Major 
Butler,  gallantly  maintained  the  conflict,  forced  the 
enemy  from  every  secure  position  he  attempted  to 
occupy,  and  drove  liim  a  mile  from  the  first  point  of 
attack.  Confiding  in  themselves,  and  their  gene- 
ral, who  was  constantly  with  them,  exposed  to  d'an- 
^er,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  fight,  inspiring  by  his 
ardour,  and  encouraging  by  his  example,  they  ad- 
vanced to  the  conflict,  nor  evinced  a  disposition  to 
leave  it  until  the  prudence  of  their  commander  di- 
rected them  to  retire. 

From  the  violer.ce  of  the  assault,  the  fears  of  the 
British  had  been  greatl ;  excited :  to  keep  their  ap- 
Aiahensions  alive  was  ;.(msidered  important,  with  a 
Va«5w  to  destroy  the  overweening  confidence  with 
which  they  had  arrived  on  our  shores,  and  to  com- 
pel them  to  act,  for  a  time,  upon  the  defensive.  To 
eflTect  this.  General  Cofffee,  with  his  Drigade,  was 
ordered  dx)wn,  on  the  mornmfr  of  the  24th,  to  unite 
with  Colonel  Hinds,  and  '«xake  a  show  in  the  rear 
v>f  Lacosle's  plantation      The  enemv,  not  yet  re- 


tBt  UFB  OP  OBNESAL  JAC&SOM. 

corered  of  the  p&nic  of  the  preceding  evening,  be 
lieved  it  wa«  in  contemplation  to  urge  another  at- 
tack, and  immediately  fonned  themselves  to  repel 
it ;  but  Coffee,  having  succeeded  in  recovering  some 
of  his  horses,  which  were  wandering  along  the  mar- 
gin of  the  swamp,  and  in  regaining  part  of  the  cloth 
ing  which  his  troops  had  lost  the  night  before,  re- 
turned to  the  line,  leaving  them  to  conjecture  the 
objects  of  his  movement. 

The  scanty  supply  of  clothes  and  blankets  that 
remained  to  the  soldiers,  from  their  long  and  expjs- 
ed  marches,  had  been  left  where  they  dismounted 
to  meet  the  enemy.  Their  numbers  were  too  lim- 
ited, and  the  strength  of  their  opponents  too  well 
ascertained,  for  any  part  of  their  force  to  remain 
and  take  care  of  what  was  left  behind  :  it  was  so 
essential  to  hapten  on,  reach  their  destination,  and 
be  ready  to  act  when  the  signal  from  the  Caroline 
should  announce  their  co-operation  necessary,  that 
no  time  was  afforded  them  to  secure  their  horses ; 
— they  were  turned  loose,  and  their  recovery  trust- 
ed to  chance.  Although  many  were  regained, 
many  were  lost;  while  most  of  the  men  remained 
with  a  single  suit,  to  encounter,  in  the  open  field, 
and  in  swamps  covered  with  water,  the  hardships 
of  camp,  and  the  severity  of  winter.  It  is  a  circimi- 
stance  which  entitles  them  to  much  credit,  that 
under  privations  so  oppressive,  complaints  were 
never  heard.  This  state  of  things  was  not  of  long 
continuance.  The  story  of  their  sufferings  was  no 
sooner  known,  than  the  legislature  appropriated  a 
sum  of  money  for  their  relief,  which  was  greatly 
increased  by  subscriptions  in  the  city  and  neigh- 
bourhood. Materials  being  purchased,  the  ladies. 
with  that  warmth  of  heart  characteristic  of  theii 


UfS   or  CBNXRAL  JACKSON  t$4 

•ex,  at  once  exerted  themselves  in  removing  thei« 
difltressCB  :  all  their  industry  was  called  into  action, 
and,  in  a  little  time,  the  suffering  soldier  was  re- 
lieved. Such  generous  conduct,  in  extending  as- 
sistance at  a  moment  when  it  was  so  much  needed, 
while  it  conferred  on  those  females  the  highest  hon- 
our, could  not  fail  to  nerve  the  arm  of  the  brare 
with  new  zeal  for  tlie  defence  of  their  benefactress- 
es. This  distinguished  mark  of  their  benevolence 
is  still  remembered  ;  and  often  as  these  valiant  men 
are  heard  to  recount  the  dangers  they  have  passed, 
they  breathe  a  sentiment  of  gratitude  to  those  who 
conferred  upon  them  such  distinguished  marks  of 
their  kindness. 

To  keep  up  a  show  of  resistance,  detachments 
of  light  troops  were  occasionally  kept  in  front  of 
the  line,  harassing  the  enemy's  advanced  posts 
whenever  an  opportunity  was  offered.  Every  moment 
that  could  be  gained,  and  every  delay  that  could  be 
extended  to  the  enemy's  attempts  to  reach  the  city, 
was  of  the  utmost  importance.  The  works  were 
rapidly  progressing,  a^d  hourly  increasing  in 
strength.  The  militia  of  the  state  were  every  day 
arriving,  and  every  day  the  prospect  of  successful 
opposition  was  brightening. 

The  enemy  still  remained  at  his  first  encamp- 
ment. Tc  be  in  readiness  to  repel  an  assault  when 
attempted,  the  most  active  exertions  were  made  on 
the  24th  and  25th.  The  canal,  covering  the  front 
of  our  line,  was  deepened  and  widened,  and  a 
strong  mud  wall  formed  of  the  earth  thrown  out 
To  prevent  any  approach  until  his  system  of  defence 
should  be  in  greater  forwardness,  Jackson  ordered 
the  levee  to  be  cut,  about  a  hundred  yards  below 
the  point  he  had  occupied.     The  river  being  very 


S64  LIFB    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

high^  8  broad  stream  of  water  passed  rapidly  through 
the  plain,  of  the  depth  of  tliirty  or  forty  inches 
which  prevented  any  approach  of  troops  on  foot 
Embraaures  were  formed,  and  two  pieoes  of  artil- 
lery, under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Spotts,  early 
on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  were  placed  in  a  posi- 
Hon  to  rake  the  road  leading  up  the  levee. 

He  was  under  constant  apprehensions,  lest,  in 
spite  of  his  exertions  below,  the  city  might,  through 
some  other  route,  be  reached  ;  and  those  fears  were 
increased  to-day,  by  a  report  that  a  strong  force  had 
arrived,  and  debarked  at  the  head  of  Lake  Borgne. 
This,  however,  proved  to  be  unfounded  :  the  enemy 
had  not  appeared  in  that  direction,  nor  had  the  offi- 
cer, to  whom  was  intrusted  the  command  of  this 
fort,  80  much  relied  on,  forgotten  his  duty,  or  for- 
saken his  post.  Acting  upon  the  statement  that 
Major  Lacoste  had  retired  from  the  fort,  and  fallen 
back  on  Bayou  St.  John,  and  incensed  that  orders, 
which,  from  their  importance,  should  have  been 
faithfully  executed,  had  been  thus  lightly  regarded, 
he  hastened  to  inform  him  what  he  had  understood, 
and  to  forbid  liis  leaving  his  position.  "  The  bat- 
tery I  have  placed  under  your  command  must  be 
defended  at  all  ha^'.ards.  In  you,  and  the  valour  of 
your  troops,  I  repose  every  confidence  ; — let  me  not 
b-  deceived.  With  us  every  thing  goes  on  well: 
the  enemy  has  not  yet  advanced.  Our  troops  have 
covered  themselves  with  glory :  it  is  a  noble  ex- 
ample, and  worthy  to  be  followed  by  all.  Maintain 
your  post,  nor  ever  think  of  retreating."  To  give 
additional  strength  to  a  place  deemed  so  important 
to  inspire  confidence,  and  ensure  safety.  Colonel 
Dyer  and  two  hundred  men  were  ordered  to  MMft 


urk  or  obnsral  jacksok.  tSi 

m  ita  defence,  and  act  aa  videttes,  in  advance  of  the 
occupied  points. 

General  Morgan,  who,  at  the  English  Turn,  conb 
manded  the  fort  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  was 
instructed  to  proceed  as  near  the  enemy's  camp  as 
prudence  would  permit,  and,  by  destroying  the  levee 
to  let  in  the  waters  of  the  Mississippi  between  them 
The  execution  of  this  order,  and  a  similar  one,  pre- 
viously made,  below  the  line  of  defence,  had  entire- 
ly insulated  the  enemy,  and  prevented  his  march 
against  either  place.  On  the  26th,  however,  the 
conmianding  general,  fearing  for  the  situation  of 
Morgan,  who,  from  the  British  occupying  the  inter- 
mediate ground,  was  entirely  detached  from  his 
camp,  directed  him  to  abandon  his  encampment, 
carry  off  such  of  the  cannon  as  might  be  wanted, 
and  tltfow  the  remainder  into  the  river,  where  they 
could  be  again  recovered  when  the  waters  reced- 
ed ;  to  retire  to  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  as- 
sume a  position  on  the  right  bank,  nearly  opposite 
to  his  line,  and  have  it  fortified.  This  movement 
was  imposed  by  the  relative  disposition  of  the  two 
armies.  Necessity,  not  choice,  made  it  essentia] 
that  St.  Leon  should  be  abandoned. 

From  every  intelligence,  obtained  thiough  de 
sorters  and  prisoners,  it  was  evident  that  the  British 
fleet  would  make  an  effort  to  ascend  the  river,  and 
co-operate  with  the  troops  already  landed.  Lest 
this,  or  a  diversion  in  a  different  quarter,  might  be 
attempted,  exertions  were  made  to  interpose  such 
defences  on  the  Mississippi  6is  might  assure  protec- 
tion. The  forts  on  the  river,  well  supported  witfi 
brave  men,  and  heavy  pieces  of  artillery,  might 
perhaps,  have  the  effect  to  deter  their  shipping  from 
venturing  in  that  direction,  and  dispose  them  to  seek 
22 


^W  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

iome  safer  route,  if  any  could  be  discovered.  Pa«i 
Barrataria  was  best  calculated  for  this  purpose. 
The  difficulty  of  ascending  the  Mississippi,  from  the 
rapidity  of  the  current,  i  s  winding  course,  and  the 
ample  protection  given  at  Forts  St.  Philip  and  Bour- 
bon, were  circumstances  to  which,  it  was  not  to  be 
inferred,  the  British  were  strangers.  It  wag  a 
more  rational  conjecture  that  they  would  seek  a 
passage  through  Barrataria,  proceed  up  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  river,  and  gain  a  position  whence, 
co-operating  with  the  forces  on  the  east  side,  they 
might  drive  our  troops  from  the  line  they  had  form- 
ed. Major  Reynolds  was  acccordingly  ordered 
thither,  with  instructions  to  place  the  bayous,  emp- 
tying through  this  pass,  in  the  best  possible  state 
of  defence — to  occupy  the  island — to  mount  suffi- 
cient ordnance,  and  draw  a  chain,  within  cannon- 
shot,  across,  and  protect  it  from  approach.  Lafite 
who  had  been  heretofore  promised  pardon  for  the 
outrages  he  had  committed  against  the  laws  of 
the  United  States,  was  also  despatched  with  Rey- 
nolds. He  was  selected,  because  his  knowledge  of 
the  topography  and  precise  situation  of  this  section 
of  the  state  was  remarkably  correct:  i*  was  the 
point  where  he  had  constantly  rendezvoused,  dur- 
ing the  time  of  cruising  agamst  the  merchant  ves- 
sels of  Spain,  under  a  commission  obtained  at  Car- 
:hagena,  and  where  he  had  become  perfectly  ac- 
quainted with  every  inlet  and  entrance  to  the  gulf 
through  which  a  passage  could  be  effected. 

With  these  arrangements — treason  apart — all 
anxiously  alive  to  the  interest  of  the  country,  and 
disposed  to  protect  it,  there  was  little  room  to  ap- 
prehend disaster.  To  use  the  general's  own  expres- 
noa.  on  another  occasion,  '<  the  surest  defence,  and 


Uni   OP  GENEitlL   JAOKfOff.  S^f 

one  which  seldom  failed  of  gucceec,  wm  a  rampart 
of  high-minded  and  hrave  mGn.'*  There  were  some 
of  this  description  -^ith  him,  on  whom  he  could 
safely  rely,  in  moments  of  extreme  peril. 

As  yet  the  enemy  were  urinformed  of  the  posi- 
tion of  Jacksoi].     They  had  been  constantly  engag- 
ed, since  their  landing,  in  procuring  from  their  ship- 
ping every  thing  necessary  to  ulterior  operations 
A  complete  command  on  the  lakes,  and  possession 
of  a  point  on  the  margin,  presented  an  uninterrupt 
ed  ingress  and  egress,  and  afforded  the  opportunit} 
of  conveying  whatever  was  wanted,  in  perfect  safe- 
ty, to  their  camp.     The  height  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  the  discharge  of  water  through  the  openings 
made  in  the  levee,  had  given  an  increased  deptli  to 
the  canal,  from  which  they  had  first  debarked,  en- 
abled them  to  advance  their  boats  much  farther,  in 
the  direction  of  their  encampment,  and  to  bring  up 
their  artillery,  bombs,  and  munitions.     Thus  engag- 
ed, during  the  first  three  days  after  their  arrival 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  a  battery  was 
discovered  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  erected  during 
the  preceding  night,  and  on  which  were  mounted 
several  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance ;  from  this  position 
a  fire  was  opened  on  the  Caroline  schooner,  lying 
under  the  opposite  shore. 

After  the  battle  of  the  23d,  m  which  this  vessel 
had  so  effectually  aided,  she  had  passed  to  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  river,  where  she  had  since  loin. 
Her  services  were  too  highly  appreciated  not  to  be 
again  desired,  in  the  event  the  enemy  should  en- 
deavour to  advance.  Her  present  situation  waa 
considered  unsafe,  but  it  had  been  essayed  in  vain 
to  advance  her  higher  up  iie  stream.  No  favoura- 
91  e  breeze  hsd  yet  arisen  to  aid  her  in  stenuning 


258  LIFK    OF    GEN'KRAL   JACKSON, 

the  current ;  and  towing,  and  other  remedies,  had 
been  resorted  to  without  success.  Her  safety  might 
have  been  ensured  by  floating  her  down  the  river, 
and  placing  her  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  the  fort, 
though  it  was  preferred,  as  a  matter  of  policy,  to 
risk  her  where  she  was,  hourly  calculating  that  a 
favourable  wind  might  relieve  her,  rather  than,  by 
dropping  her  with  the  current,  lose  those  benefits 
which,  against  an  advance  of  the  enemy,  it  might 
be  in  her  power  to  extend.  Commodore  Patterson 
had  left  her  on  the  26th,  by  the  orders  of  the  general, 
when  Captain  Henly  made  a  further,  but  ineffectual 
effort  to  force  her  up  the  current,  near  the  line,  for 
the  double  purpose  of  its  defence  and  for  her  own 
safety. 

These  attempts  to  remove  her  being  discovered 
at  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  a  battery, 
mounting  five  guns,  opened  upon  her,  discharging 
bombs  and  red-hot  shot:  it  was  spiritedly  answered, 
but  without  affectiftg  the  battery  ;  there  being  but 
a  long  twelve  pounder  that  could  reach.  The  sec- 
ond fire  had  lodged  a  hot  shot  in  the  hold,  directly 
under  her  cables,  whence  it  could  not  be  removed, 
and  where  it  immediately  communicated  fire  to  the 
flchooner.  The  shot  from  the  battery  were  con 
stantly  taking  effect,  firing  her  in  different  places 
while  the  blaze,  already  kindled  under  her  cables, 
was  rapidly  extending.  A  well-grounded  appro 
hension  of  her  commander,  that  she  could  be  nc 
longer  defended,  induced  a  fear  lest  the  magazine 
should  be  reached,  and  every  thing  destroyed.  One 
of  his  crew  being  killed,  and  six  wounded,  and  noj 
a  glimmering  of  hope  entertained  that  she  could  be 
preserved,  orders  were  given  to  abandon  her.    The 


UFB    OF   GENERAL   JACKSON.  969 

crew  in  safety  reached  the  shore,  and  in  a  short 
time  she  blew  up. 

Although  unexpectedly  depn  ed  of  so  material 
a  dependence,  an  opportunity  was  soon  presented  of 
using  her  brave  crew  to  advantage.  Gathering 
confidence  from  what  had  been  just  effected,  the 
enemy  left  thcnr  encampment,  and  moved  in  the  di- 
rection of  our  line.  Their  numbers  had  been  in- 
creased, and  Major-General  Sir  Edward  Packenham 
now  commanded  in  person.  Early  on  the  28th,  hia 
columns  commenced  their  advance  to  storm  ouj 
works.  At  the  distance  of  half  a  mile,  their  heavy 
artillery  opened,  and  quantities  of  bombs,  balls,  and 
congreve  rockets,  were  discharged.  It  was  a 
scene  of  terror,  which  they  had  probably  caJculat 
ed  would  excite  a  panic  in  the  minds  of  the  raw 
troops  of  our  army,  and  compel  them  to  surrender 
at  discretion.  Their  congreve  rockets,  though  a 
kind  of  instrument  of  destruction  to  which  our 
troops,  unskilled  in  the  science  of  warfare,  had  beer 
hitherto  strangers,  excited  no  other  feeling  than 
that  which  novelty  inspires.  At  the  moment,  there- 
fore, that  the  British,  in  different  columns,  were 
moving  up,  in  all  the  pomp  of  battle,  preceded  by 
these  insignia  of  terror,  more  than  danger,  and  were 
expecting  to  behold  their  "  Yankee  foes"  flee  be- 
fore them,  our  batteries  halted  their  advance. 

In  addition  to  the  two  pieces  of  cannon,  mounted 
on  our  works  on  the  24th,  three  others,  of  heavy 
caliber,  obtained  from  the  navy  department,  had 
been  formed  along  the  line  ;  these,  opening  on  the 
enemy,  checked  their  progress,  and  disclosed  to 
'.hem  the  hazard  of  the  project  they  were  on.  Lieu- 
tenants Crawley  and  Norris  volunteered,  and. 
with  the  crew  of  the  Caroline,  maintained,  at  tbt 
22* 


ttfO  UWm   OP   GENERAL   JACKSON 

guns  they  commanded,  that  firmness  and  decisioB 
for  which  they  had  been  so  highly  distinguished. 
They  had  been  selected  by  the  general,  because  oi 
their  superior  knowledge  in  gunnery,  and,  on  this 
occasion,  gave  a  further  evidence  of  their  skill,  and 
of  a  disposition  to  act  in  any  situation  where  they 
could  be  serviceable.  The  line,  which,  from  the 
labours  bestowed  on  it,  was  daily  strengthening, 
was  not  yet  in  a  situation  effectually  to  resist ;  this 
deficiency,  however,  was  well  remedied  by  the 
brave  men  who  were  formed  in  its  rear. 

From  the  river  the  greatest  injury  was  effected 
Lieutenant  Thompson,  who  commanded  the  Louis- 
iana sloop,  opposite  the  line  of  defence,  no  sooner 
discovered  the  columns  approaching,  than,  warping 
her  around,  he  brought  her  starboard  guns  to  bear, 
and  forced  them  to  retreat :  but,  from  their  heavy 
artillery,  the  enemy  maintained  the  conflict  with 
great  spirit,  constantly  discharging  their  bombs  and 
rockets  for  seven  hours,  when,  unable  to  make  a 
breach,  or  silence  the  fire  from  the  sloop,  they 
abandoned  a  contest  where  few  advantages  seemed 
to  be  presented.  The  crew  of  this  vessel  was  com- 
posed of  new  recruits,  and  of  discordant  materials 
— of  soldiers,  citizens,  and  seamen  ;  yet,  by  the  ac- 
tivity of  their  commander,  were  they  so  well  per- 
fected in  duty,  that  they  already  managed  their 
guns  with  the  greatest  certainty  of  effect ;  and,  by 
three  o'clock  in  the  evening,  with  the  aid  of  the 
land  batteries,  had  completely  driven  back  the  en- 
emy. Imboldened  by  the  effect  produced  the  day 
before  on  the  Caroline,  the  furnaces  of  the  enemy 
were  put  in  operation,  and  numbers  of  hot  shot 
Uurown  from  a  heavy  piece,  which  was  protected  by 
Um  tov«e.    An  »Utmpt  waf  made  to  carry  it  off 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  JI61 

In  their  endeavours  to  remove  it,  "  I  eaw,"  says 
Commodore  Patterson,  "  distinctly,  with  the  aid  of 
a  glass,  several  balls  strike  in  the  midst  of  the  men 
who  were  employed  in  dragging  it  away."  In  this 
engagement,  waged  for  seven  hours,  we  received 
little  or  no  injury.  The  Louisiana  sloop,  against 
which  the  most  violent  exertions  were  made,  had 
but  a  single  man  wounded,  by  the  fragments  of  a 
shell,  which  burst  over  her  deck.  Our  entire  loss 
did  not  exceed  nine  killed,  and  eight  or  ten  wound- 
ed. The  enemy,  being  more  exposed,  acting  in 
the  open  field,  and  in  range  of  our  guns,  suffered 
considerable  injury ;  at  least  one  hundred  and 
twenty  were  killed  and  wounded. 

Among  the  killed,  on  our  side,  was  Colonel  James 
Henderson,  of  the  Tennessee  militia.  An  advance 
party  of  the  British  had,  during  the  action,  taken 
post  behind  a  fence  that  ran  obliquely  to  our  line. 
Henderson,  with  a  detachment  of  two  hundred  men, 
was  sent  out  by  General  Carroll  to  drive  them  from 
a  position  whence  they  were  greatly  annoying  our 
troops.  Had  he  advanced  in  the  manner  directed, 
he  would  have  been  less  exposed,  and  more  effect- 
ually secured  the  object  intended ;  but,  misunder- 
standing the  order,  he  proceeded  in  a  different 
route,  and  fell  a  victim  to  his  error.  Instead  of 
marching  in  the  direction  of  the  wood,  and  turning 
the  enemy,  which  might  have  cut  off  their  retreat, 
he  proceeded  in  front,  towards  the  river,  leaving 
them  in  rear  of  the  fence,  and  himself  and  his  detach- 
ment exposed.  His  mistake  being  perceived  from 
ths  line,  he  was  called  by  the  adjutant-general,  and 
directed  to  return ;  but  the  noise  of  the  waters, 
through  which  they  were  wading,  prevented  any 
communication.      Having  reached  a  knoll  of  dn 


t6t  LIFS  OP   GBNKRAL    JACEflOlf. 

^ound,  he  attempted  the  execution  of  his  order  ^  but 
Boon  fell,  by  a  wound  in  the  head.  Deprived  of 
their  commander,  and  perceiving  their  situation 
hazardous,  the  detachment  retreated  to  the  line, 
with  the  loss  of  their  colonel  and  five  men. 

While  this  advance  was  made,  a  column  of  the 
enemy  was  threatening  our  extreme  left  ;  to  frus- 
trate the  attempt,  Coffee  was  ordered  with  his  rifle- 
men to  hasten  through  the  woods,  and  check  their 
approach.  The  enemy,  greatly  superior  to  him  in 
numbers,  no  sooner  discovered  his  movement  than 
they  retired,  and  abandoned  the  attack  they  had 
meditated. 

A  supposed  disaffection  in  New  Orleans,  and  an 
enemy  in  front,  were  circumstances  well  calculated 
to  excite  unpleasant  forebodings.  General  Jackson 
believed  it  necessary  to  his  security,  while  contend- 
ing with  avowed  foes,  not  to  be  wholly  inattentive 
to  dangers  at  home ;  but,  by  guarding  vigilantly,  to 
be  able  to  suppress  any  treasonable  purpose  the 
moment  it  should  be  developed.  Previously  to  de- 
parting from  the  city,  on  the  evening  of  the  23d, 
he  ordered  Major  Butler,  his  aid,  to  remain  with 
the  guards,  and  be  vigilant  that  nothing  transpired 
in  his  absence  calculated  to  operate  injuriously.  His 
fears  that  there  were  many  of  the  inhabitants,  who 
felt  no  attachment  to  the  government,  and  would  not 
scruple  to  surrender,  whenever,  prompted  by  their 
interest,  it  should  become  necessary,  have  been  no- 
ticed. In  this  belief,  subsequent  circumstances  evinc- 
ed there  was  no  mistake,  and  showed  that  to  his 
energy  is  to  be  ascribed  the  cause  the  country  was 
saved.  It  is  a  fact,  which  was  disclosed  on  making 
ftp  exchange  of  prisoners,  that,  in  despite  of  all  oui 
cffbrta,  the  enemy  were  daily  apprized  of  ever^ 


UFI   OF  OBNIIIAL  lACKfOir  96B 

thing  that  transpired  in  our  camp.  Every  arrange- 
ment,  and  every  change  of  position,  was  immediate- 
ly communicated.  "  Nothing/'  remarked  a  British 
officer,  at  the  close  of  the  invasion,  "  was  kept  a 
secret  from  us,  except  your  numbers ;  this,  al- 
tliough  diligently  sought,  could  never  be  procured." 
Between  the  23d  and  the  attack,  on  the  28th,  to 
carry  our  line,  Major  Butler,  who  still  remained  in 
the  city,  waa  applied  to  by  Fulwar  Skipwith,  speak- 
er of  the  senate,  to  ascertain  the  commanding  gen- 
eral's views,  provided  he  should  be  driven  from  his 
line  of  encampment,  and  compelled  to  retreat 
through  the  city ;  would  he,  in  that  event,  destroy 
it  ?  It  was,  indeed,  a  curious  inquiry  from  one  who, 
having  spent  his  life  in  serving  his  country,  might 
better  have  understood  the  duty  of  a  subordinate 
officer ;  and  that,  even  if,  from  his  situation.  Major 
Butler  had  so  far  acquired  the  confidence  of  his 
general  as  to  have  become  acquainted  with  his  de- 
signs, he  was  not  at  liberty  to  divulge  them,  with- 
out destroying  confidence,  and  acting  criminally. 
On  asking  the  cause  of  the  inquiry,  Mr.  Skipwith 
replied,  it  wa3  understood  that,  if  driven  from  his 
position,  and  made  to  retreat  upon  the  city,  General 
Jackson  had  it  in  contemphition  to  lay  it  in  ruins ; 
the  legislature,  he  said,  desired  information  on  this 
subject,  that,  if  such  were  his  intentions,  they  might, 
by  offering  terms  of  capitulation,  avert  so  serious  a 
calamity.  That  a  sentiment,  having  for  its  object 
a  surrender  of  the  city,  should  be  entertained  by 
this  body,  waa  scarcely  credible  ;  yet  a  few  days 
brought  the  certainty  of  it  more  fuUy  to  view,  and 
showed  that  they  were  already  devising  plans  tc 
ensure  the  safety  of  themselves  and  property  at  any 
sacrifice.     While  the  e^eneral  was  hastening  along 


964  Uri   OP    GENERAL   lACKSON 

the  line,  from  ordering  Coffee  againBt  a  column  of 
the  British  on  the  extreme  left,  he  waa  hailed  by 
Mr.  Duncan,  one  of  his  volunteer  aids,  and  informed 
that  it  was  agitated,  secretly,  by  the  members  of 
the  legislature,  to  offer  terms  of  capitulation  to  the 
enemy,  and  proffer  a  surrender ;  and  that  Governor 
Claiborne  awaited  his  orders  on  the  subject.  Poised 
as  was  the  result,  the  safety  or  fall  of  the  city  rest- 
ing in  uncertainty,  although  it  was  plainly  to  be 
perceived,  that,  with  a  strong  army  before  them,  no 
such  resolution  could  be  carried  into  effect,  yet  it 
might  be  productive  of  evil,  and,  in  the  end,  bring 
about  the  most  fattil  consequences.  Even  the  dis 
closure  of  such  a  wish,  on  the  part  of  the  legisla- 
te e,  might  create  parties,  excite  opposition  in  the 
army,  and  inspire  the  enemy  with  renewed  confi- 
dence. The  Tennessee  forces,  and  Mississippi  vol- 
unteers, it  was  not  feared,  would  be  affected  by  the 
measure ;  but  it  might  detach  the  Louisiana  militia, 
and  even  extend  itself  to  the  ranks  of  the  regular 
troops.  Jackson  was  greatly  incensed,  that  those, 
whose  safety  he  had  so  much  at  heart,  should  be 
seeking,  under  the  authority  of  office,  to  mar  his 
best  exertions.  He  was,  however,  too  warmly  press- 
ed at  the  moment, — for  the  battle  was  raging, — to 
give  it  the  attention  its  importance  merited ;  but, 
availing  himself  of  the  first  respite  from  the  vio- 
lence of  the  attack  waged  against  him,  he  apprized 
Governor  Claiborne  of  what  he  had  heard ;  ordered 
dim  closely  to  watch  the  conduct  of  the  legislature, 
and,  the  moment  the  project  of  offering  a  capitula- 
tion to  the  enemy  should  be  fully  disclosed,  to  place 
a  guard  at  the  door,  aru  confine  them  to  their  cham* 
b«r.  The  governor,  in  his  zeal  to  execute  the  com- 
isand^  and  from  a  fear  of  the  consequencei  involved 


Urm   OF   GENERAL    JACKSON*  S65 

a  iQcli  conduct,  construed  as  imperative  an  ordef 
which  waa  merely  contingent;  and,  placing  an 
armed  force  at  the  door  of  the  capitol,  prevented 
the  members  from  convening,  and  their  schemes 
from  maturing. 

The  purport  of  tins  order  was  misconceived  by 
the  governor ;  or,  perhaps,  with  a  view  to  avoid  sub- 
sequent inconveniences,  was  designedly  mistaken. 
Jackson's  object  was  not  to  restrain  the  legislature 
in  the  discharge  of  their  official  duties;  for,  al- 
though he  thought  that  such  a  moment,  when  the 
sound  of  the  cannon  was  constantly  pealing  in  their 
ears,  was  inauspicious  to  wliolesome  legislation,  and 
that  it  would  have  better  comported  with  the  state 
of  the  times  for  them  to  abandon  their  civil  duties, 
and  appear  in  tlie  field,  yet  was  it  a  matter  indeh- 
cate  to  be  proposed  ;  and  it  was  hence  preferred, 
that  they  should  adopt  whatever  course  might  be 
suggested  by  their  own  notions  of  propriety.  This 
sentiment  would  have  been  still  adhered  to ;  but 
when,  through  the  communication  of  Mr.  Duncan, 
they  were  represented  as  entertaining  schemes  ad- 
verse to  the  general  interest  of  the  country,  the  ne- 
cessity of  a  difierent  course  of  conduct  was  obvious 
But  he  did  not  order  Governor  Claiborne  to  interfere 
with  their  duties ;  on  the  contrary,  he  was  instruct- 
ed, so  soon  as  any  thing  hostile  to  the  genera] 
cause  should  be  ascertained,  to  place  a  guakd  at 
the  door,  and  keep  the  members  to  their  duty.  "  My 
object  in  this,"  remarked  tlie  general,  "was,  that 
then  they  would  be  able  to  proceed  with  their  business 
without  producing  the  slightest  injury:  whatever 
schemes  they  might  entertain  would  have  remained 
witli  themselves,  without  the  power  of  circulating 
them  to  the  prejudice  of  any  other  interest  than 


966  LIPB    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON 

their  own.  Claiborne  mistook  my  order,  and,  inneafl 
of  ihutting  them  in  doors,  contrary  to  my  vnahes, 
turned  them  out" 

Before  this  he  had  been  called  on  by  a  special 
committee  of  the  legislature  to  know  what  his  course 
would  be,  should  necessity  drive  him  from  his  posi 
tion.  "  If,"  replied  the  genera], "  I  thought  the  hair 
of  my  head  could  divine  what  I  should  do,  I  would 
cut  it  off:  go  back  with  this  answer ;  say  to  your 
honourable  body,  that,  if  disaster  does  overtake  me 
and  the  fate  of  war  drives  me  from  my  line  to  the 
city,  they  may  expect  to  have  a  very  warm  session." 
"  And  what  did  you  design  to  do,"  one  inquired, "  pro- 
vided you  had  been  forced  to  retreat?"  "I  should,* 
he  replied,  "  have  retreated  to  the  city,  fired  it,  and 
fought  the  enemy  amidst  the  surrounding  flames. 
There  were  with  me  men  of  wealth,  owners  of 
considerable  property,  who,  in  such  an  event,  would 
have  been  amongst  the  foremost  to  have  applied  the 
torch  to  their  own  buildings ;  and  what  they  had 
left  unione,  I  should  have  completed.  Nothing  for 
the  comfortable  maintenance  of  the  enemy  would 
have  been  left  in  the  rear.  I  would  have  destroyed 
New  Orleans,  occupied  a  position  above  on  the 
river,  cut  off  all  supplies,  and  in  this  way  compel- 
led them  to  depart  from  the  country." 

We  shall  not  pretend  to  ascribe  this  conduct  to 
disaffection  to  the  government,  or  to  treasonable 
motives.  The  impulse  that  produced  it  was,  no 
doubt,  interest — a  principle  of  the  human  mind 
which  strongly  sways,  and  often  destroys,  its  best 
conclusions.  The  disparity  of  the  two  armies,  in 
numbers,  preparation,  and  discipline,  had  excited 
apprenension,  and  destroyed  hope.  If  Jackson 
were  driven  back, — and  little  else  was  looked  fory— 


Un   OF   GENERAL    JACK80N  S67 

rumour  fixed  his  determination  of  dt  voting  the  city 
to  destruction ;  but,  even  if  such  were  not  his  in- 
dention, the  vengeance  of  the  enemy  might  be  fairly 
calculated  to  be  in  proportion  to  tlie  opposition  tliey 
should  receive.  The  government  was  represented 
in  the  person  of  the  commanding  general,  on  whom 
rested  all  responsibility,  and  whose  voice,  on  the 
subject  of  resistance  or  capitulation,  should  alone 
have  been  heard.  In  the  field  were  persons,  en- 
during hardships,  and  straining  every  nerve,  for  the 
general  safety.  A  few  of  the  members  of  their 
own  body,  too,  were  there,  who  did  not  despond.* 

Additional  guards  were  posted  along  the  swamp, 
on  both  sides  of  the  Mississippi,  to  arrest  all  inter- 
course ;  while  on  the  river,  the  common  highway 
watch-boats  were  constantly  plying,  during  the 
night,  in  different  directions,  so  that  a  log  could 
scarcely  float  down  the  stream  unperceived.  Two 
flat-bottomed  boats,  on  a  dark  night,  were  turned 
adrifl  above,  to  ascertain  if  vigilance  were  preserv- 
ed, and  whether  there  would  be  any  possibility  ot 
escaping  the  guards,  and  passing  in  safety  to  the 
British  lines.  The  light  boats  discovered  them  on 
their  passage,  and,  on  the  alarm  being  given,  they 
were  opened  upon  by  the  Louisiana  sloop,  the  bat- 
teries on  the  shore,  and  in  a  few  minutes  were 
sunk.  In  spite,  however,  of  every  precaution,  Trea- 
son discovered  avenues,  through  which  to  project 
and  execute  her  nefarious  plans,  and  through  them 


*  Only  four  members  of  the  legislature  appeared  in  the  field  to 
Jefend  their  country.  We  regret  not  knowing  the  name  of  one 
of  these  persons  :  tnose  we  have  ascertained  are.  General  Gar- 
rigue  Floiack,  Major  Eziei,  and  Mr.  Bufort,  whri  abandoning 
their  civil  duties  for  the  fields  afforded  ezaniples  worthy  of  louta- 

UOB. 


268  UPB    OF   GENERAL  JACKtfON. 

tvas  constantly  afibrded  information  to  the  enemj 
carried  to  them,  no  doubt,  by  adventurous  friena» 
who  effected  their   nightly  passage  through   the 
deepest  parts  of  the  swamp  where  it  waa  impoeei- 
ble  for  sentinels  to  be  stationed 

Great  inconvenience  was  sustained  for  tne  want 
of  arms,  and  much  anxiety  felt,  lest  the  enemy, 
through  tlieir  faitliful  adherents,  might,  on  this  sub- 
ject also,  obtain  information ;  to  prevent  it,  as  far 
na  possible.  General  Jackson  endeavoured  to  con- 
ceal the  strengtli  of  his  army,  by  suffering  his  re- 
ports to  be  seen  by  none  but  himself  and  the  adju- 
tant-general. Many  of  the  troops  in  the  field  were 
supplied  with  common  guns,  which  were  of  little 
iervice.  The  Kentucky  troops,  daily  expected, 
were  also  understood  to  be  badly  provided  with 
arms.  Uncertain  but  that  the  city  might  yet  con- 
tain many  articles  that  would  be  serviceable,  orders 
were  issued  to  the  m^yor  of  New  Orleans,  direct- 
ing him  to  inquire  through  every  store  and  house, 
and  take  possession  of  all  the  muskets,  bayoneta, 
spades  and  axes  he  could  find.  Understanding 
loo,  there  were  many  young  men,  who,  from  differ- 
ent pretexts,  had  not  appeared  in  the  field,  he  waa 
mstructed  to  obtain  a  register  of  every  man  in  the 
city,  under  the  age  of  fifty,  tliat  measures  might  be 
concerted  for  drawing  forth  those  who  had  hitherto 
appeared  backward  in  the  pending  contest. 

Frequent  light  skirmishes,  by  advanced  parties, 
without  material  effect  on  either  side,  were  the  only 
incidents  that  took  place  for  several  days.  Colonel 
Hinds,  at  the  head  of  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  on 
the  30th,  was  ordered  to  dislodge  a  party  of  the 
enemy,  who,  under  covei  of  a  ditci  that  ran  across 
the  pLain,  ware  annoying  our  fatigue  partie*.     Id 


Un   or  OKNKRAt    JACKSON.  26t 

hie  admnce,  he  wu  unexpectedly  throwE  into  an 
ambuscade,  and  became  exposed  to  the  fire  of  a 
line,  which  had  hitherto  been  unobserved.  His 
collected  conduct,  and  gallant  deportment,  gained 
him  and  his  corps  the  approbation  of  the  command- 
ing general,  and  extricated  him  from  the  danger  in 
which  he  was  placed.  The  enemy,  forced  from 
their  position,  retired,  and  he  returned  to  the  line, 
•vith  the  less  of  five  men. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   lACftSOII. 


CHAPTER  X. 

{'fuck  oft'u  \st  of  January. — General  Jackson'$  line  of  dkfence. 
—  KerUt^icy  troops  arHve  at  head-quarter x. — British  arviy  re- 
enforced ;  their  prepai  ations  for  attack. — BaUle  of  the  Sth  oj 
January,  and  lepuhe  of  the  enemy. —  American  redoubt  carried, 
and  retaken. —  'Colonel  Thornton  proceeds  against  General 
Morgan^s  line,  and  takes  possessio7i  of  it. — Letter  of  Captain 
Wilkinson. — British  icatcli  tcord. — Generous  conduct  of  the 
AmeHcan  soldiers. — Morgan'' s  line  regained. — General  Lambert 
requests  a  suspejision  of  hostilities. — Armistice  concluded. — Ex' 
ecution  of  an  American  soldier  by  tlie  British. 

The  British  were  encamped  two  miles  below  the 
American  army,  on  a  perfect  plain,  in  full  view. 
Although  foiled  in  their  attempt  to  carry  our  works 
by  their  batteries  on  the  28th,  they  resolved  upon 
another  attack,  which  they  believed  would  be  more 
successful.  Presuming  their  failure  to  have  arisen 
from  not  having  sufficiently  strong  batteries  and 
heavy  ordnance,  a  more  enlarged  arrangement  vvasj 
resorted  to,  with  a  confidence  of  silencing  opposi 
tion.  The  interim  between  the  28th  of  December 
and  1st  of  January  was  spent  in  preparing  to  exe- 
cute their  designs.  Their  boats  had  been  de- 
spatched to  the  shipping,  and  an  additional  supply 
of  heavy  cannon  landed  through  Bayou  Bienvenu, 
whence  they  had  first  debarked. 

During  the  night  of  the  31st,  they  were  busily 
engaged.  An  impenetrable  fog,  next  morning,  not 
dispelled  until  nine  o'clock,  by  concealing  tlieir 
purpose,  aided  them  in  the  plans  they  were  project- 
ing, and  gave  time  for  the  completion  of  their  works. 
This  having  disappeared,  several  heavy  batteries, 
tt   the   distance  of  six  hundred  yards,  mounting 


U7I  OP  OBNBRAL   lAOMOIf.  171 

•igbteen  and  twenty-four  pound  carrontdef,  wer« 
preiented  to  view.  No  sooner  waa  it  sufficiently 
clear  to  distinguish  objects  at  a  distance,  than  theao 
were  opened,  and  a  tremendous  burst  of  arti.  «ry 
commenced,  accompanied  with  congreve  rocketa. 
that  filled  the  air  in  all  directions.  Our  troops,  pro- 
tected by  a  defence,  which,  from  their  constant  la- 
bours, they  believed  to  be  impregnable,  undisturbed, 
maintained  their  ground,  and,  by  their  skilful 
management,  succeeded  in  dismounting  the  guns  of 
the  enemy.  The  British,  through  the  friendly  in- 
terference of  some  disaffected  citizens,  having  been 
apprized  of  the  situation  of  the  general's  quarters, 
that  he  dwelt  in  a  house  at  a  small  distance  in  the 
rear  of  his  line  of  defence,  against  it  directed  their 
first  and  principal  efforts,  with  a  view  to  destroy  the 
commander.  So  great  was  the  number  of  ball* 
thrown,  that,  in  a  little  while,  its  porticos  were  beat- 
en down,  and  the  building  made  a  complete  wreck. 
In  this  design  they  were  disappointed  ;  for  with 
Jackson  it  was  a  constant  practice,  on  the  first  ap- 
pearance of  danger,  not  to  wait  in  his  quarters, 
watching  events,  but  instantly  to  proceed  to  the 
line,  to  form  arrangements  as  circumstances  might 
require.  Constantly  in  expectation  of  a  charge,  he 
was  never  absent  from  the  post  of  danger;  and 
thither  he  had  this  morning  repaired,  at  the  first 
sound  of  the  cannon,  to  aid  in  defence,  and  inspire 
his  troops  with  firmness.  Our  guns,  along  the 
line,  now  opened,  to  repel  the  assault,  and  a  con- 
stant roar  of  cannon,  on  both  sides,  continued  untO 
nearly  noon ;  when,  by  the  superior  skill  of  our 
engineers,  the  two  batteries  formed  on  the  right, 
next  the  v/oods,  were  nearly  beaten  down,  and 
many  of  the  guns  dismounted,  broken,  and  rendtr 
23* 


f7S  UFI    or   eiNBRAL   lAOLSOM. 

ed  uteleM.  That  next  the  river  still  contmued  Iti 
fire,  until  three  o'clock;  when,  perceiving  all  at- 
tempts to  force  a  breach  inefibctual,  the  enemy  gave 
up  the  contest,  and  retired.  Every  act  of  theirs 
discovers  a  strange  delusion,  and  unfolds  on  what 
wild  and  fanciful  grounds  all  their  expectations 
were  founded. 

That  they  could  effect  an  opening,  and  march 
through  the  strong  defence  in  their  front,  was  an 
idea  so  fondly  cherished,  that  an  apprehension  of 
failure  had  scarcely  occurred.  So  sanguine  were 
they  in  this  belief,  that,  early  in  the  morning,  their 
soldiers  were  arranged  along  the  ditches,  in  rear  of 
their  batteries,  ready  to  advance  to  tiie  charge,  the 
moment  a  breach  could  be  made.  Here,  by  their 
situation,  protected  from  danger,  they  remained, 
waiting  the  result.  But,  their  efforts  not  having 
produced  the  slightest  impression,  nor  their  rockets 
the  effect  of  driving  6ur  militia  away,  they  aban- 
doned the  contest,  and  retired  to  their  camp,  leav- 
ing their  batteries  materially  injured. 

It  occurred  to  the  British  commander,  an  attack 
might  be  made  to  advantage  next  the  woods,  and  & 
force  was  accordingly  ordered  to  penetrate  in  this 
direction,  and  turn  the  left  of  our  line,  which  was 
supposed  not  to  extend  farther  than  to  the  margin  of 
the  swamp.  In  this  way,  it  was  expected  a  diver- 
sion could  be  made,  while  the  reserve  columns, 
being  in  waiting,  were  to  press  forward  the  moment 
this  object  could  be  effected.  Here,  too,  disap- 
pointment resulted.  Coffee's  brigade,  being  extend- 
ed into  the  swamp  as  far  as  it  was  possible  for  an 
advancing  party  to  penetrate,  brought  unexpected 
dangen  mjo  view,  and  occasioned  an  abandonment 
of  the  project     That  to  turn  the  extreme  left  of 


UFK   OP   GENERAL    lACRSON.  17| 

the  line  was  practicable,  and  might  be  atteirpted, 
waa  the  subject  of  early  consideration ;  and  neces- 
sary precaution  had  been   taken  to  prevent  it 

Although  cutting  the  levee  had  raised  the  water  in 
the  swamp,  and  increased  the  difficulties  of  keep- 
ing troops  there,  yet  a  fear  lest  this  pass  might  be 
sought  by  the  enemy,  and  the  rear  of  the  line  gain- 
ed, had  determined  the  general  to  extend  his  de- 
fence   even   here.      This  had   been   intrusted   to 
General  Coffee;  and  surely  a  more  arduous  duty 
can  scarcely  be  imagined.     To  form  a  breastwork, 
in  such  a  place,  was  attended  with  many  difficul 
ties,  and  considerable  exposure.     A  slight  defence, 
however,  had  been  thrown  up,  and  the  underwood, 
for  thirty  or  forty  yards  in  front,  cut  down,  that  the 
riflemen,  stationed  for  its  protection,  might  have  a 
complete  view  of  any  force,  which  might  attempt 
a  passage.     When  it  is  recollected  this   position 
was  to  be  maintained  night  and  day,  uncertain  of 
the  moment  of  attack,  and  that  the  only  opportunity 
afforded  our  troops  for  rest  was  on  logs  and  brush, 
by  which  they  were   raised  above  the  surrounding 
water,  it  may  be  truly  said,  that  seldom  has  it  fall- 
en to  the  lot  of  any  to  encounter  greater  hardships : 
but,  accustomed  to  privation,  and  alive  to  those  feel- 
ings which  a  love  of  country  inspires,  they  obeyed, 
and  cheerfully  kept  their  position  until  danger  had 
subsided.     Sensible  of  the  importance  of  the  point 
they  defended,  that  it  was  necessary  to  be  main- 
tained, be  the  sacrifice  what  it  might,  they  looked 
to  nothing  but  a  faithful  discharge  of  the  trust  con- 
fided to  them. 

Our  loss,  in  this  affair,  waa  eleven  killed,  and 
twenty-three  wounded:  that  of  the  enemy  wm 
never  correctly  known.     The  only  certain  infonaa 


174  LIFS  or  GINBRAL  JACKSON. 

tion  is  containod  in  a  communication  of  the  38tb 
instant  from  Gencial  Lambert  to  Earl  Bathurst,  in 
whicli  the  loss,  from  the  1st  to  the  5th,  is  stated 
at  seventy-eight  Many  allowances,  however,  are 
to  bo  made  for  this  report.  From  the  great  pre- 
cieion  of  our  fire,  their  loss  was,  no  doubt,  consider- 
able.— The  enemy's  heavy  shot  having  penetrated 
our  intrenchment,  in  many  places,  it  was  dis- 
covered not  to  be  as  strong' as  had  been  imagined. 
Fatigue  parties  were  again  employed,  and  its 
strength  daily  increased :  an  additional  number  of 
bales  of  cotton  were  t^ken  to  be  applied  to  defend- 
ing the  embrasures.  A  Frenchman,  whose  property 
had  been  thus,  without  his  consent,  seized,  fearful 
of  the  injury  it  might  sustain,  proceeded  in  person 
to  General  Jackson,  to  reclaim  it,  and  to  demand  its 
delivery.  The  general,  having  heard  his  complaint, 
and  ascertained  from  him  that  he  was  unemployed 
ji  any  military  service,  directed  a  musket  to  be 
brought  to  him,  and,  placing  it  in  his  hand,  ordered 
him  on  the  line,  remarking,  at  the  same  time,  that, 
as  he  seemed  to  be  a  man  possessed  of  property, 
he  knew  of  none  who  had  a  better  right  to  fight,  to 
defend  it. 

It  was  understood  by  Jackson,  that  the  enemy 
were  in  daily  expectation  of  re-enforcements ;  though 
he  rested  with  confidence  in  the  belief,  that  a  few 
more  days  would  also  bring  to  his  assistance  the 
troops  from  Kentucky.  Each  party,  therefore,  was 
constantly  engaged  in  preparation,  the  one  to  wage 
a  vigorous  attack,  the  other  to  oppose  it. 

The  position  of  the  American  army  wa«  m  the 
rear  of  an  intrenchment  formed  of  earth,   which 
extended  in  a  straight  line  from  the  river  to  a  con 
uderable  distance  in  the  0wamp.     In  front  wu  t 


tm  or  •sivsRAL  jaciaom  171 

deep  ditch,  which  had  been  formerly  used  a«  a  mill- 
race.  The  Mississippi  had  receded,  and  left  this 
dry,  next  the  river,  though  in  many  places  the 
water  still  remained.  Along  the  line,  at  unequal 
distances,  to  the  centre  of  General  Carroll's  com- 
mand, were  guns  mounted,  of  diffbrent  caliber,  from 
six  to  thirty-two  pounders.  Near  the  river,  in  ad- 
vance of  the  intrenchment,  was  a  redoubt,  with 
embrasures,  commanding  tlie  road  along  the  levee, 
calculated  to  rake  the  ditch  in  front. 

General  Morgan  was  ordered,  on  the  24th  of 
December,  to  cross  to  the  west  bank  of  the  Missis- 
«ippi.  From  apprehension  that  an  attempt  might 
be  made  through  Barrataria,  and  the  city  reached 
from  the  right  bank,  the  general  had  extended  his 
defence  there :  in  fact,  unacquainted  with  the  ene- 
my's views, — not  knowing  the  number  of  their 
troops,  he  had  carefully  divided  out  his  forces,  that 
he  might  be  able  to  protect,  in  whatever  direction  an 
assault  should  be  waged.  His  greatest  fears,  and 
hence  his  strongest  defence,  next  to  the  one  occu- 
pied by  himself,  was  on  the  Chef  Menteur  road, 
where  Governor  Claiborne,  at  the  head  of  the 
Louisiana  militia,  was  posted.  The  position  on  the 
right  was  formed  on  the  same  plan  with  the  line  on 
the  left, — lower  down  than  that  on  the  left^  extend 
ing  to  the  swamp  at  right  angles  with  the  river 
Here  General  Morgan  commanded. 

To  be  prepared  against  every  possible  contin 
gency,  Jackson  had  established  another  line  of  de- 
fence, about  two  miles  in  the  rear  of  tlie  one  a» 
present  occupied,  which  was  intended  as  a  rallymg 
point,  if  driven  from  his  first  position.  With  the 
aid  of  his  cavalry,  to  give  a  momentary  check  t* 
th«  advance  of  the  enemy,  he  expected  to  be  e» 


Tf€  urm  or  gkneral  lACKfoir. 

abled,  with  inconsiderable  injury,  to  reach  it ;  whera 
he  would  again  have  advantages  on  his  side,  be  in 
a  situation  to  dispute  a  farther  passage  to  the  city, 
and  arrest  their  progress.  To  inspirit  his  own 
soldiers,  and  to  exhibit  to  the  enemy  as  great  a 
show  as  possible  of  strength  and  intended  resist- 
ance, his  unarmed  troops,  which  constituted  no 
very  inconsiderable  number,  were  here  stationed. 
All  intercourse  between  the  lines,  but  by  confiden- 
tial officers,  was  prohibited,  and  every  vigilance  em- 
ployed, not  only  to  keep  this  want  of  preparation 
concealed  from  the  enemy,  but  even  from  being 
known  on  his  own  lines. 

Occasional  firing  at  a  distance,  which  produc?a 
nothing  of  consequence,  was  all  that  marked  the 
interim  from  the  1st  to  the  8th. 

On  the  4th  of  this  month,  the  long-expected  re- 
enforcement  from  Kentucky,  amounting  to  twenty- 
two  hundred  and  fifty,*  under  Major-General  Thomas, 
arnved  at  head-quarters ;  but  so  ill  provided  witl 
arms,  as  to  be  mcapable  of  rendering  any  consider 
able  service.  The  alacrity  with  which  the  citizen* 
of  this  state  had  proceeded  to  the  frontiers,  anc 
aided  in  the  north-western  campaigns,  added  to  the 
disasters  which  ill-timed  policy  or  misfortune  had 
produced,  had  created  such  a  drain,  that  arms  were 
not  to  be  procured.  They  had  advanced,  however, 
to  their  point  of  destination,  with  an  expectation  of 
being  supplied  on  their  arrival.  About  five  hun- 
dred of  them  had  muskets ;  the  rest  were  provided 
with  guns,  from  which  little  or  no  advantage  could 
be  expected.  The  mayor  of  New  Orleans,  at  the 
•request  of  General  Jackson,  had  drawn  from  the 
city  every  weapon  that  could  be  found ;  while  the 
trriv&I  of  ihe  Louisiana  militia,  in  an  equal! j  un 


Idrm    OP   GENERAL    JACKSON.  27** 

prepared  situation,  rendered  it  impossible  foi  the 
«vil  to  be  effectually  remedied.  A  boat,  laden  with 
arms,  was  somewhere  on  the  rn  er,  intended  for  the 
ase  of  the  lower  country  ;  but  where  it  was,  or 
when  it  might  arrive,  rested  alone  on  conjecture. 
Expresses  had  been  despatched  up  the  river,  for 
three  hundred  miles,  to  hasten  it  on ;  still  there 
were  no  tidings  of  an  approach.  That  so  many 
Drave  men  should  be  compelled  to  stand  w.'th  fold- 
ed arras,  unable  to  render  the  least  possible  service 
to  their  country,  was  an  event,  which  did  not  fail 
to  excite  the  sensibility  of  the  general.  His  mind, 
prepared  for  any  thing  but  despondency,  sought  re- 
lief in  vain.  No  alternative  was  presented,  but  to 
place  them  at  his  intrenchment  in  the  rear,  conceal 
their  actual  condition,  and,  by  the  show  they  might 
make,  add  to  his  appearance,  without  at  all  increas- 
ing hia  strength. 

Information  was  received,  that  Major-Genera] 
Lambert  had  joined  the  British  commander-in-chief, 
with  a  considerable  re-enforcement.  It  had  been 
announced  in  the  American  camp,  that  additional 
forces  were  expected,  and  something  decisive  might 
be  looked  for,  so  soon  as  they  should  arrive.  This 
circumstance,  with  others,  had  led  to  the  conclusion 
that  a  few  days  more  would,  in  ail  probability,  de- 
cide the  fate  of  the  city.  It  was  more  than  evei 
necessary  to  keep  concealed  the  situation  of  his 
army ;  and,  above  all,  to  preserve  as  secret  as  pos- 
sible its  unarmed  condition.  To  restrict  all  com- 
munication, even  with  his  own  lines,  was  now,  as 
danger  increased,  rendered  more  impurtanL  None 
were  permitted  to  leave  the  line,  and  none  from 
crithout  to  pass  into  camp,  but  such  as  were  to  be 
impUcitly  confided  in.     The  line  of  eentinela  wf 


278  uwm  OP  asNiRAi.  jacksom. 

HtrcDgthened  in  front,  that  none  might  paas  .o  the 
enemy,  should  desertion  be  attempted:  yet,  not- 
withsta^'idrng  this  precaution,  his  plans  were  dis- 
closed. On  the  night  of  the  6th,  a  soldier  from 
the  line,  by  some  means,  succeeded  in  eluding  the 
vigilance  of  our  sentinels.  Early  next  morning 
his  departure  was  discovered  *.  it  was  at  once  cor- 
rectly conjectured  he  had  gone  to  the  enemy,  and 
would,  no  doubt,  afford  them  all  the  information  in 
his  power.  He  unfolded  to  the  British  the  situa- 
tion of  the  American  line  ;  the  late  re-enforcements 
we  had  received,  and  the  unarmed  condition  of 
many  of  the  troops ;  and,  pointing  to  the  centre  of 
General  Carroll's  division  as  a  place  occupied  by 
militia  alone,  recommended  it  aa  tlie  point  where 
an  attack  might  be  most  safely  made. 

Other  intelligence  received  was  confirmatory  of 
the  belief  of  an  impending  attack.  From  some 
prisoners,  taken  on  the  lake,  it  was  ascertained  the 
enemy  were  busily  engaged  in  deepening  Villery's 
Canal,  with  a  view  of  passing  their  boats  and  ord- 
nance to  the  Mississippi.  During  the  7th,  a  con- 
stant bustle  was  perceived  in  the  British  camp. 
Along  the  borders  of  the  canal,  their  soldiers  were 
continually  in  motion,  marching  and  manoeuvring,  foi 
no  other  purpose  than  to  conceal  those  who  were 
busily  engaged  at  work  in  the  reaT.  To  ascertain 
the  ".ause  of  this  uncommon  stir,  and  learn  their  de- 
signs, as  far  as  was  practicable,  Commodore  Patter- 
son had  proceeded  down  the  river,  on  the  opposite 
side,  and,  having  gained  a  favourable  position,  in 
front  of  their  encampment,  discovered  them  to  be 
actually  engaged  in  deepening  the  passage  to  the 
river.  It  was  no  difficult  matter  to  divine  their  pur- 
pose.    No  other  conjecture  could  be  ^tert&inedf 


LIFB    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  279 

than  tlitt  an  assault  was  intended  to  be  made  od 
the  line  of  defence  commanded  by  General  Mor 
gan ;  which,  if  gained,  would  expose  our  troops  on 
the  left  bank  to  the  fire  of  the  redoubt  erected  on 
the  right;  and  in  this  way  compel  them  to  an 
abandonment  of  their  position.  To  counteract  this 
scheme  was  important ;  and  measures  were  imme- 
diately taken  to  prevent  the  execution  of  a  plan, 
which,  if  successful,  would  be  attended  witli  incal- 
culable dangers.  An  increased  strength  was  given 
to  this  line.  The  second  regiment  of  Louisiana 
militia,  and  four  hundred  Kentucky  troops,  were 
directed  to  be  crossed  over,  to  protect  it.  Owing 
to  some  delay  in  arming  them,  the  latter,  amount- 
ing, instead  of  four  hundred,  to  but  one  hundred 
and  eighty,  did  not  arrive  until  the  morning  of  the 
8th.  A  little  before  day,  they  were  despatched  to 
aid  an  advanced  party,  who,  under  the  command 
of  Major  Arnaut,  had  been  sent  to  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy,  and  oppose  their  landing. 
The  hopes  indulged  from  their  opposition  were  not 
realized ;  and  the  enemy  reached  tlie  shore. 

Morgan's  position,  besides  being  strengthened  bj 
several  brass  twelves,  was  defended  by  a  strong 
battery,  mounting  twenty-four  pounders,  directed 
by  Commodore  Patterson,  which  afforded  additional 
security.  The  line  itself  was  not  strong,  yet,  if 
properly  maintained  by  the  troops  selected  to  de- 
fend it,  was  believed  fully  adequate  to  the  purposes 
of  successful  resistance.  Late  it  night,  Patterson 
ascertained  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in  passing 
their  boats  through  tlie  canal,  and  immediately 
communicated  his  information  to  the  general.  The 
commodore  had  formed  the  idea  of  dropping  thf 
LotuMana  schooner  down,  to  attack  and  link  them 
24 


S80  LUn    OF   GENERAL    3ACMMOM* 

This  thought)  though  well  conceived,  wu  ab&nilM^^ 
ed,  from  the  danger  involved,  and  from  an  appre- 
hension lest  the  batteries  erected  on  the  river,  with 
which  she  would  come  in  collision,  might,  by  the 
aid  of  hot  shot,  succeed  in  blowing  her  up.  It  .vas 
preferred  to  await  their  arrival,  believing  it  would 
be  practicable,  with  the  bravery  of  more  than  fifteen 
hundred  men,  and  the  slender  advantages  possessed 
from  their  line  of  defence,  to  maintain  their  position. 
On  the  left  bank,  where  the  general  in  person 
commanded,  every  thing  was  in  readiness  to  meet 
die  assault  when  it  should  be  made.  The  redoubt 
on  the  levee  was  defended  by  a  company  of  the 
seventh  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Lieuten- 
ant Ross.  The  regular  troops  occupied  that  part 
of  the  intrenchment  next  the  river.  General  Car- 
roll's division  was  in  the  centre,  supported  by  the 
Kentucky  troops,  under  General  John  Adair ;  while 
the  extreme  left,  extending  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance into  the  swamp,  was  protected  by  the  brigade 
of  General  Coffee.  How  soon  the  attack  would 
be  waged  was  uncertain.  General  Jackson,  un- 
moved by  appearances,  anxiously  desired  a  con- 
test, which  he  believed  would  give  a  triumph 
to  his  arms,  and  terminate  the  hardships  of  his 
soldiers.  Unremitting  in  exertion,  and  constantly 
vigilant,  his  precaution  kept  pace  with  the  zeal  and 
preparation  of  tho  enemy.  He  seldom  sin* :  lie 
was  always  at  his  post,  performing  tiie  auoi^a  of 
Doth  general  and  soldier.  His  sentinels  were 
doubled,  and  extended  as  far  as  possible  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  British  camp  ;  while  a  considerable 
portion  of  the  troops  were  constantly  at  the  line, 
frith  arms  in  their  hands,  ready  to  act  when  the 
fint  alann  ahould  be  gvrenL 


Uri  or  OINERAL  JACKSON  tSi 

For  eig^ht  days  had  the  two  armies  lain  upon  the 
Mme  field,  and  in  view  of  each  other,  without  any 
thing  decisive  on  either  side.  Twice,  since  their 
landing,  had  the  British  columns  essayed  to  effect 
by  storm  the  execution  of  their  plans,  and  twice 
had  fkiled,  and  been  compelled  to  relinquish  the 
attempt  It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  things 
could  long  remain  in  this  dubious  state. 

The  8th  of  January  at  length  arrived.  The  day 
dawned ;  and  the  signals,  intended  to  produce  con- 
cert in  the  enemy's  movements,  were  descried. 
On  the  left,  near  the  swamp,  a  sky-rocket  was  per- 
ceived rising  in  the  air ;  and  presently  another  as- 
cended from  the  right,  next  the  river.  They  were 
intended  to  announce  that  all  was  ready,  to  carry 
by  storm  a  defence  which  had  twice  foiled  their  ut- 
most efforts.  Instantly  the  charge  was  made,  and 
with  such  rapidity,  that  our  soldiers,  at  the  out- 
posts, with  difficulty  fled  in. 

The  British  batteries,  which  had  been  demolished 
on  the  Ist  of  the  month,  had  been  re-established 
during  the  preceding  night,  and  heavy  pieces  of 
cannon  mounted,  to  aid  in  their  intended  operations. 
These  now  opened,  and  showers  of  bombs  and  balls 
were  poured  upon  our  line  ;  while  the  air  waa  light- 
ed  with  their  congreve  rockets.  The  two  divisions, 
commanded  by  Sir  Edward  Packenham  in  person, 
and  supported  by  Generals  Keane  and  Gibbs,  press- 
ed forward  ;  the  right  against  the  centre  of  Gene- 
ral Carroll's  command,  the  left  against  our  redoubt 
on  the  levee.  A  thick  fog,  that  obscured  the  morn- 
ing, enabled  them  to  approach  within  a  short  dis- 
tance of  our  intrenchment.  before  they  were  dis- 
covered. They  were  now  perceived  advancing 
with  firm,  qu'ck.  and  steady  pace,  in  cdumo,  wiUi 


Uri    OP    GENERAL    JACKBON. 

&  fVont  of  sixty  or  seventy  deep.  Our  troops,  who 
had  for  iome  time  been  in  readiness,  gave  three 
cheers,  and  instantly  the  w^hole  line  was  lighted 
with  the  blaze  of  their  fire.  A  burst  of  artillery 
and  small  arms,  pouring  with  destructive  aim  upon 
them,  mowed  down  their  front,  and  arrested  their 
advance.  In  our  musketry  tliere  was  not  a  mo- 
ment's intermission ;  as  one  party  discharged  their 
pieces,  another  succeeded  ;  alternately  loading  and 
appearing,  no  pause  could  be  perceived, — it  was 
one  continued  volley.  The  colunms  already  per- 
ceived their  dangerous  situation.  Battery  No.  7, 
on  the  left,  was  ably  served  by  Lieutenant  Spotts, 
anr'  g^alled  them  with  an  incessant  fire.  Batteries 
No.  6  and  8  were  no  less  actively  employed,  and  no 
less  successful  in  felling  them  to  the  ground.  Not- 
vrithstanding  the  severity  of  our  fire,  which  few 
troops  could  for  a  moment  have  withstood,  some  of 
those  brave  men  pressed  on,  and  succeeded  in 
gaining  the  ditch,  in  front  of  our  works,  where  they 
remained  during  the  action,  and  were  afterwarr'jj 
made  prisoners.  The  horror  before  them  was  loo 
great  to  be  withstood  ;  and  already  were  the  Br.dsh 
troops  seen  wavering  in  their  determination,  and 
receding  from  the  conflict.  At  this  moment,  Sir 
Edward  Packenhara,  hastening  to  the  front,  en- 
deavoured to  inspire  them  wdth  renewed  zeal.  His 
example  was  of  short  continuance ;  he  soon  fell, 
mortally  wounded,  in  the  arms  of  his  aid-de-camp, 
net  far  from  our  line.  Generals  Gibbs  and  Keane 
also  fell,  and  were  borne  from  the  field,  dangerous- 
ly wounded.  At  this  moment.  General  Lambert, 
who  wan  advancing  at  a  small  distance  in  the  rear, 
with  the  reserve,  met  the  columns  precipitately  re- 
treating, and   in  great   confusion.     His  eflforts  to 


UWm  OF  OBNKRAL  14CM0N.  ttt 

•top  them  were  unavailing, — they  continued  re- 
treating, until  they  reached  a  ditch,  at  the  distance 
of  four  hundred  yards,  where,  a  momentary  Hafety 
being  found,  they  were  rallied,  and  halted. 

The  field  before  them,  over  which  they  had  ad 
vancod,  was  strewed  with  the  dead  and   dying 
Danger  hovered  still  around ;  yet,  urged  and  en- 
couraged by  their  officers,  who  feared  their  own 
disgrace  involved  in  the  failure,  they  again  rao  ed 
to  the  charge.     They  were  already  near  enough  to 
deploy,  and  were  endeavouring  to  do  so ;  but  the 
same  constant  and  unremitted  resistance  that  caused 
their  first  retreat    continued  yet  unabated.     Our 
batteries  had  never  ceased  their  fire ;  their  constant 
discharges  of  grape   and   canister,  and   the  fatal 
aim  of  our  musketry,  mowed  down  the  front  of  the 
columns  as  fast  as  they  could  be  formed.     Satisfied 
nothing  could  be  done,  and  that  certain  destruction 
awaited  all  further  attempts,  they  forsook  the  field 
m  disorder,  leaving  it  almost  entirely  covered  with 
the  dead  and  wounded.     It  was  in  vain  their  offi- 
cers endeavoured  to  animate  them  to  further  resist- 
ance, and  equally  vain  to  attempt  coercion.     The 
panic  produced  from  the  dreadful  repulse  they  had 
experienced ;  the  plain,  on  which  they  had  acted 
being  covered  with   innumerable   bodies  of  theii 
countrymen ;  while,  with  their  most  zealous  exer 
tions,  they  had  been  unable  to  obtain  the  slightest 
advantage, — were  circumstances  well  calculated  tc 
make  even  the  most  submissive  soldier  oppose  the 
authority  that  would  have  controlled  him. 

The  light  companies  of  fusileers,  the  forty-third 

and  ninety-tli  rd  regiments,  and  one  hundred  met 

from  the  West  India  regiment,  led  on  by  Colone 

Rennio,  wore   nrlered   to  proceed  under  cover  </ 

24* 


t94  UPI    OP   GENERAL   JACKIOII. 

•ome  chimneys,  standing  in  the  field,  until  harin^ 
cleared  them,  to  oblique  to  the  river,  and  advance, 
protected  by  the  levee,  against  our  redoubt  on  the 
right.  This  work,  having  been  but  lately  com- 
menced, was  in  an  unfinished  state.  It  was  not 
until  the  4th,  that  General  Jackson,  much  against 
his  own  opinion,  had  yielded  to  the  suggestions  of 
others,  and  permitted  its  projection ;  and,  consider- 
ing the  plan  on  which  it  had  been  sketched,  it  had 
not  yet  received  that  strength  necessary  to  its  safe 
defence.  The  detachment  ordered  against  this 
place  formed  the  left  of  General  Keane's  command. 
Rennie  executed  his  orders  with  great  bravery; 
and,  urging  forward,  arrived  at  the  ditch.  His  ad- 
vance was  greatly  annoyed  by  Commodore  Patter- 
eon's  battery  on  the  left  bank,  and  the  cannon 
mounted  on  the  redoubt ;  but,  reaching  our  works, 
and  passing  the  di^h,  Rennie,  sword  in  hand, 
leaped  on  the  wall,  and,  calling  to  his  troops,  bade 
them  follow ;  he  had  scarcely  spoken,  when  he  fell 
by  the  fatal  aim  of  our  riflemen.  Pressed  by  the 
impetuosity  of  superior  numbers,  who  were  mount- 
ing the  wall,  and  entering  at  the  embrasures,  our 
troops  had  retired  to  the  line,  in  rear  of  the  redoubt. 
A  momentary  pause  ensued,  but  only  to  be  inter- 
rupted with  increased  horrors.  Captain  Beal,  with 
the  city  riflemen,  cool  and  self-possessed,  perceiv- 
ing the  enemy  in  his  front,  opened  upon  them,  and 
at  every  discharge  brought  the  object  to  the  ground. 
To  advance,  or  maintain  the  point  gained,  was 
equa^iy  impracticable  for  the  enemy :  to  retreat  or 
surrender  was  the  only  alternative  ;  for  they  already 
perceived  the  division  on  the  right  thrown  mto  con 
fViaioo,  and  hutily  leaving  the  field. 


LIFl   OP  GENERAL   JACKtON.  980 

General  Jackson,  beinw  infoiroed  of  the  eucce«8 
of  the  enemy  on  the  right,  and  of  their  oeing  in 
possession  of  the  redoubt,  pressed  forward  a  re-en- 
forcement to  regain  it.  Previously  to  its  arrival 
they  had  abandoned  the  attempt,  and  were  retiring. 
They  were  severely  galled  by  such  of  our  guns  as 
could  be  brought  to  bear.  The  levee  afforded  them 
considerable  protection  ;  yet,  by  Commodore  Patter- 
son's redoubt,  on  the  right  bank,  they  suffered 
greatly.  Enfiladed  by  this,  on  their  advance,  they 
had  been  greatly  annoyed,  and  now,  in  their  re- 
treat, were  no  less  severely  assailed.  Numbers 
found  a  grave  in  the  ditch,  before  our  line ;  and  of 
those  who  gained  the  redoubt,  not  one,  it  is  believ- 
ed, escaped  ; — they  were  shot  down  as  fast  as  they 
entered.  The  route,  along  which  they  had  advanc- 
ed and  retired,  was  strewed  with  bodies.  Affright- 
ed at  the  carnage,  they  moved  from  the  scene  in 
confusion.  Our  batteries  were  still  continuing  the 
slaughter,  and  cutting  them  down  at  every  step : 
safety  seemed  only  to  be  attainable  when  they 
should  have  retired  without  the  range  of  our  shot, 
which,  to  troops  galled  as  severely  as  they  were, 
was  too  remote  a  relief  Pressed  by  this  considera- 
tion, they  fled  to  the  ditch,  whither  the  right  divis- 
ion had  retreated,  and  there  remained  until  night 
permitted  them  to  retire. 

A  considerable  portion  of  our  troops  were  inactive 
for  the  want  of  arms  to  place  in  their  hands.  If 
this  had  not  been  the  case — had  they  been  in  a 
situation  to  have  acted  efficiently,  the  whole  British 
army  must  have  submitted. 

Colonel  Hinds  was  very  solicitous,  and  in  person 
applied  to  the,  commanding  general  for  leave  to 
pursue,  at  the  head  of  his  dragoons,  the  fleeing 


tM  un  or  gbnbral  jackson. 

colunmi  of  the  enemy :  Jackson,  however,  would 
not  permit  it  "  My  reason  for  refusing,"  he  re- 
marked, "  waa,  that  it  might  become  necesaary  to 
sustain  him,  and  thus  a  contest  in  the  open  field  be 
brought  on :  the  lives  of  my  men  were  of  value  to 
tlieir  country,  and  much  too  dear  to  their  families 
to  be  hazarded  where  necessity  did  not  require  it ; 
bui,  above  all,  from  the  numerous  dead  and  wounded 
stretched  out  on  the  field  before  me,  I  felt  a  con 
fidence  that  the  safety  of  the  city  was  most  proba 
fcly  attained,  and  hence,  that  nothing  calculated  to 
reverse  the  good  fortune  we  had  met  should  be 
attempted." 

The  efforts  of  the  enemy  to  carry  our  line  of  de- 
fence on  the  left  were  seconded  by  an  attack  on 
the  right  bank,  with  eight  hundred  chosen  troops, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Thornton.  Owing 
to  the  difficulty  of  passing  the  boats  from  the  canal 
to  the  river,  and  the  strong  current  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, the  troops  destined  for  this  service  were  not 
crossed,  nor  the  opposite  shore  reached,  for  some 
hours  after  the  expected  moment  of  attack.  By 
the  time  he  had  eflTected  a  landing,  the  day  had 
dawned,  and  the  flashes  of  the  guns  announced  the 
battle.  Supported  by  three  gun-boats,  he  hastened 
forward,  with  his  command,  in  the  direction  of  Mor- 
gan's intrenchment. 

Some  time  during  the  night  of  the  7th,  two  hun- 
dred Louisiana  militia  had  been  sent  off,  to  watch 
the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  oppose  him  in 
his  landing  :  this  detachment,  under  the  command 
of  Major  Arnaud,  had  advanced  a  mile  down  the 
river,  and  halted  j  either  supposing  the  general  in- 
correct, in  apprehending  an  attack,  or  that  his  men^ 
if  refreshed,  would  be  more  competent  to  exertion, 


LIFS    OF   GENERAL   JACKSON.  S87 

he  directed  them  to  lie  down  and  sleep .  one  man 
only  was  ordered  to  be  upon  the  watch,  lest  the 
eneny  should  approach  them  undiscovered.  Just 
at  day,  he  called  upon  his  sleeping  companions,  and 
bade  them  rise,  for  he  had  heard  a  considerable 
bustle  a  little  below.  No  sooner  risen,  than  con- 
firmed in  the  truth  of  what  had  been  stated,  they 
moved  off  in  the  direction  they  had  come,  without 
even  attempting  an  execution  of  their  orders.  The 
Kentucky  troops,  having  reached  Morgan  at  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  were  immediately  sent  to- 
co-operate with  the  Louisianians.  Major  DavijB, 
who  commanded,  had  proceeded  about  three  quar- 
ters of  a  mile,  and  met  those  troops  hastily  retreat- 
ing up  the  road ;  he  ascertained  from  them  that  the 
enemy  had  made  the  shore ;  had  debarked,  and 
were  moving  rapidly  up  the  levee.  He  informed 
them  for  what  purpose  he  had  been  despatched, — 
to  oppose  an  approach  as  long  as  practicable,  and, 
with  tlieir  assistance,  he  would  endeavour  to  exe- 
cute his  orders. 

The  two  detachments,  now  acting  together,  form- 
ed behind  a  saw-mill-race,  skirted  with  a  quantity 
of  plank  and  scantling,  which  afforded  a  tolerable 
shelter.  Davis,  with  his  two  hundred  Kentuckiangj 
formed  on  the  road  next  the  river,  supported  by  the 
Louisiana  militia  on  the  right.  The  enemy  appear- 
ing, their  approach  was  resisted,  and  a  spirited 
opposition  for  some  time  maintained.  The  British 
again  advanced,  and  again  received  a  heavy  fire 
At  this  moment,  General  Morgan's  aid-de-camp, 
who  was  present,  perceiving  the  steady  adveChce  of 
the  enemy,  and  fearing  for  the  safety  of  the  troope, 
•rdered  a  retreat  Confusion  was  the  consequence 
■•-^rder  could  not  be  maintained,  and  the  wbde 


SS8  Ura   OP  GBNERAL    JACKIOH. 

fled,  in  haate,  to  Morgan's  line.    Arriving  in  a^Skfty 
though  much   exhausted,  they   were   immediately 
directed  to  form,  and  extend  themselves   to   the 
swamp ;  that  the  right  of  the  intrenchment  might 
not  be  turned. 

Colonel  Thornton,  having  reached  an  orange 
grove,  about  seven  hundred  yards  distant,  halted , 
and,  examining  Morgan's  line,  found  it  to  "  consist 
of  a  formidable  redoubt  on  the  river,"  with  ita 
weakest  and  most  vulnerable  point  towards  the 
ewamp.  He  directly  advanced  to  the  attack,  in 
two  divisions,  against  the  extreme  right  and  centre 
of  the  line ;  and,  having  deployed,  charged  the  in- 
trenchment, defended  by  about  fifteen  hundred  men. 
A  severe  discharge,  from  the  field-pieces  mounted 
along  our  works,  caused  the  right  division  to  ob- 
lique, which,  uniting  with  the  left,  pressed  forward 
to  the  point  occupied  by  the  Kentucky  troops. 
Perceiving  themselves  thus  exposed,  and  having 
not  yet  recovered  from  the  emotions  produced  by 
their  first  retreat,  they  began  to  give  way,  and  verj 
soon  abandoned  their  position.  The  Louisiana 
militia  gave  a  few  fires,  and  followed  the  example 
Through  the  exertions  of  the  officers,  a  momentary 
halt  was  effected ;  but  a  burst  of  congreve  rockets 
falling  thickly,  and  setting  fire  to  the  sugar-cane, 
and  other  combustibles  around,  again  excited  theii 
fears,  and  they  moved  hastily  away  ;  nor  could  they 
be  rallied,  until,  at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  havmg 
reached  a  saw-mill-race,  they  were  formed,  and 
placed  in  an  attitude  of  defence. 

Conmiodore  Patterson,  perceiving  the  right  flank 
about  to  be  turned,  had  ceased  his  destructive  fire 
Al^aiiurt  the  retreating  columns  on  the  opposite 
ibore  uid  turned  his  guns  to  enfilade  the  eneim 


Ur«    OF  6BNBRAL    ^ArESOIf.  iB9 

next  the  awamp ;  but,  at  the  morrent  when  he  ex- 
pected to  witness  a  firm  rjelatance,  and  was  in  & 
situation  to  co-cperite,  he  beheld  those,  without 
whose  aid  all  his  effj-ts  were  unavailing,  suddenly 
thrown  into  confusion,  and  forsaking  their  posts. 
Discovering  he  co'ild  no  longer  maintain  his  ground, 
he  spiked  his  guns,  destroyed  his  ammunition,  and 
retired  from  a  post  where  he  had  rendered  tlie  most 
important  services. 

In  the  panic  that  produced  this  disorderly  retreat, 
at  a  moment  when  resistance  was  expected,  are  to 
be  found  circumstances  of  justification,  which  might 
have  occasioned  similar  conduct  even  in  disciplined 
troops.     The  weakest  part  of  the  line  was  assail- 
ed by  the  greatest  strength  of  the  enemy :  this  was 
defended  by  one  hundred  and  eighty  Kentuckians, 
who  were  stretched  out  to  an  extent  of  three  hun- 
dred yards,  and  unsupported  by  any  pieces  of  artil- 
lery.    Thus  openly   exposed   to  the   attack   of  a 
greatly  superior  force,  and  weakened  by  the  ex- 
tent of  ground  they  covered,  it  is  not  to  be  won- 
dered at,  or  deserving  of  reproach,  that  they  should 
have  considered  resistance  ineffectual,  and  forsaken 
a  post,  which  they  had  strong  reasons  for  believing 
ihey  could  not  maintain.     General  Morgan  report- 
ed to  General  Jackson  the  defeat,  and  attributed  it 
to  the  flight  of  those  troops,  who  had  also  drawn 
along  with  them  the  rest  of  his  forces.     It  is  true, 
they  were  the  first  to  flee ;  and  equally  true,  that 
their  example  may  have  had  the  effect  of  producing 
general  alarm  ;  but  in  point  of  advantageous  situa- 
tion, the  troops  materially  difl^ered :  the  one  party 
were  exposed,  and  enfeebled  by  the  manner  of  their 
arrangement;  the  other,  though  superior  in  numbers, 
-.overed  no  greater  extent  of  ground,  and  were  dc 


ffO  LIPS   OP   eVNIRAL    lACKtON. 

fbnded  by  an  excellent  breastwork,  and  feverc! 
pieces  of  cannon :  with  this  difierence,  the  lost  of 
confidence  of  the  former  was  not  without  sufficient 
cause.  Of  these  facts  Commodore  Patterson  was 
not  apprized ;  General  Morgan  was :  both,  however, 
attributed  the  disaster  to  the  flight  of  the  Kentucky 
militia.  Upon  their  information  General  Jackson 
founded  his  report  to  the  secretary  of  war,  by 
which  those  troops  were  exposed  to  censures 
they  did  not  merit.  Had  all  the  circumstances,  as 
they  existed,  been  disclosed,  reproach  would  have 
been  prevented.  At  the  mill-race,  no  troops  could 
have  behaved  better:  they  were  well  posted,  and 
bravely  resisted  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  nor,  un- 
♦il  an  order  to  that  effect  was  given,  had  entertain- 
ea  a  thought  of  retreating. 

The  heart-felt  joy  at  the  glorious  victory  achiev- 
ed on  one  side  of  the  river  was  clouded  by  the  dis- 
aster witnessed  on  the  other.  A  position  was  gain- 
ed which  secured  to  the  enemy  advantages  the 
most  important ;  and  whence  our  whole  line,  on  the 
ieft  bank,  could  be  severely  annoyed.  But  for  the 
precaution  of  Conmiodore  Patterson,  in  spiking  his 
guns,  and  destroying  the  ammunition,  it  would  have 
been  in  the  power  of  Colonel  Thornton  to  have  com- 
pletely enfiladed  our  line  of  defence,  and  rendered 
it  untenable.  Fearful  lest  the  guns  might  be  un- 
spiked,  and  brought  to  operate  against  him.  General 
Jackson  hastened  to  throw  detachments  across,  with 
orders  to  regain  the  position  at  every  hazard.  To 
the  troops  on  the  right  bank,  he  forwarded  an  ad- 
dress, with  a  view  to  excite  them  to  deeds  of  val- 
our, and  inspirit  them  to  exertions  that  should  wipe 
off  the  reproach  they  had  drawn  upon  themselvei 
Previously,  however,  to  their  being  in  readinoM  to 


UFB  or  UBNEEAL  JACKSON.      Ml 

•ct,  ne  succeeded  by  stratagem  in  re-obtaining  hw 
lost  position,  and  thus  spared  the  effusion  of  blood. 
The  loss  of  the  British,  in  the  main  attack  on  the 
ieft  bank,  has  been  variously  stated.  The  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners,  ascertained,  on  the  next 
day  after  the  battle,  by  Colonel  Hayne,  the  inspec- 
tor-general,  places  it  at  twenty-six  hundred.  Gen- 
eral Lambert's  report  to  Lord  Bathurst  makes  it 
but  two  thousand  and  seventy.  From  prisoners, 
however,  and  information  derived  through  other 
sources,  it  must  have  been  even  greater  than  is 
stated  by  either.  Among  tliem  was  the  command- 
er-in-chief, and  Major-General  Gibbs,  who  died  of 
his  wounds  the  next  day,  besides  many  of  their 
most  distinguished  officers ;  while  the  loss  of  the 
Americans,  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  but  thir- 
teen.* 

It  appears  to  have  been  made  a  question  by  the 
British  officers,  if  it  would  not  be  more  advisable  to 
carry  General  Morgan's  line,  and  refrain  from  any 
attenipt  on  this  side  the  river.  It  was  believed, 
that,  if  successful  in  this  attack,  they  would  be  able 
to  force  General  Jackson  from  his  intrenchment, 
and  pass  with  the  main  body  of  the  army  to  the  city. 
A  letter  found  in  the  possession  of  Captain  WdKin- 
son,  a  British  officer,  who  fell  in  the  battk,  to  a 
frien"a  at  home,  in  the  war  department,  speaking  on 
this  subject,  shows  that  a  difference  of  opinion  pre- 

*  Our  effective  force,  at  the  line  on  the  left  bank,  was  three 
thousand  seven  hundred  ;  that  of  the  enemy  at  least  nine  thousand, 
ihe  torce  landed  in  Louisiana  has  been  variously  reported:  the 
best  infonnalion  places  it  at  about  fourteen  thousand.  A  part  o*" 
this  acted  with  Colonel  Thornton  3  the  climate  had  rendered  manv 
unfit  for  the  duties  of  the  field ;  while  a  considerable  numbei  had 
£»een  killed  and  wounded  in  the  different  contests  since  their  tori- 
J.U  Their  strength,  therefore,  may  be  fairly  estimated,  on  the 
•u,  at  uu)  nuDir  "T  we  have  stated ;  at  any  rale,  aot  Imi 
26 


992  LIFB    OF  'GENERAL   JACKSON. 

vailed,  and  confess  as  his  own  as  being  decidedly  is 
favour  of  a  vigorous  attack  on  both  sides.  It  bears 
date  late  on  the  night  of  the  7th,  nor  does  it  appear, 
although  he  was  a  captain  and  brigade-major,  that 
he,  at  that  time,  knew  whether  an  assault  was  se 
riously  intended  against  Jackson's  line,  or  was  de- 
signed as  a  feint,  to  aid  the  operations  of  Colonel 
Thornton.  With  the  true  spirit  of  a  British  officer, 
however,  he  indulged  a  hope  of  success, — enter- 
tained no  fears  for  the  result,  nor  doubted  but  that 
the  Americans  would  at  once  retire  before  their 
superior  skill  and  bravery.  A  general  order,  which 
must  have  been  communicated  after  he  had  written, 
disclosing  the  manner  of  attack,  on  the  left,  where 
he  acted,  was  also  found  with  the  letter.  In  that 
the  fusileers  and  light  troops  were  instructed,  after 
reaching  our  line,  to  act  as  a  pursuing  squadron 
and  keep  up  alarm,, while  the  army  on  the  right 
should  press  closely  in  the  rear  and  support  them. 
It  breathes  an  assurance  of  success,  and  shows  with 
what  anxiety  they  looked  to  the  approaching  morn- 
ing, as  likely  to  bring  with  it  a  successful  termina- 
tion of  tlieir  labours,  and  a  triumph  over  a  foe 
whose  advantages,  more  than  bravery,  they  suppos- 
ed, had  so  long  baffled  their  efforts. 

Let  it  be  remembered  of  that  gallant  but  mis- 
guided general,  who  has  been  so  much  deplored  by 
the  British  nation,  that,  to  the  cupidity  of  his  sol- 
diers, he  promised  the  wealth  of  ths  city,  as  a  rec- 
ompense for  their  gallantry  ;  while,  with  brutal 
licentiousness,  they  were  to  revel  in  lawless  indul- 
gence, uncontrolled,  over  female  innocence.  Scenes 
like  these,  our  nation,  insulted,  had  already  witness- 
ed ;  she  had  witnessed  them  at  Hampton  and  Havre- 
4e-Grtce :  but  it  was  reserved  for  her  yet  to  learn 


LXPI   or   QINIRAL    JACKIOM  S93 

that  ao  officer  of  the  standing  of  Sir  Edward  Pack- 
enham,  polished,  generous,  and  brave,  shoild,  to 
induce  his  soldiers  to  acts  of  daring  valour,  permit 
them,  as  a  reward,  to  insult  and  injure  those  whom 
all  mankind,  even  savages,  respect.  The  facts 
which  were  presented  at  the  time  of  this  transac- 
tion left  no  doubt  on  the  minds  of  our  officers,  but 
that  "  Beauty  and  Booty^^  was  the  watch-word  of 
the  day.  The  information  was  obtained  from  pris- 
oners, and  confirmed  by  the  books  of  two  of  their 
orderly-sergeants  taken  in  battle,  which  contained 
record  proof  of  the  fact. 

A  communication,  shortly  after,  from  Major-Gen- 
eral  Lambert,  on  whom,  in  consequence  of  the  fall 
of  Generals  Packenham,  Gibbs,  and  Keane,  tlie  com- 
mand had  devolved,  acknowledges  that  he  had  wit- 
nessed the  kindness  of  our  troops  to  his  wounded. 
He  solicited  of  General  Jackson  permission  to  send 
an  unarmed  party  to  bury  the  dead,  lying  before  his 
lines,  and  to  bring  off  such  of  the  wounded  as  were 
dangerous.  The  request  to  bury  the  dead  was 
granted.  General  Jackson  refused  to  permit  a  near 
approach  to  his  line,  but  consented  that  the  wound- 
ed, who  were  at  a  greater  distance  than  three  hun- 
dred yards  from  the  intrenchment,  should  be  re- 
lieved, and  the  dead  buried  :  those  nearer  were,  by 
his  own  men,  to  be  delivered  over,  to  be  interred 
by  their  countrymen.  This  precaution  was  take»", 
that  the  enemy  might  not  have  an  opportunity  to 
inspect,  or  know  any  thing  of  his  situation. 

General  Lambert,  desirous  of  administering  to  the 
wants  of  the  wounded,  and  that  he  might  be  reliev- 
ed from  his  apprehensions  of  attack,  proposed,  about 
noon,  that  hostilities  shculd  cease  until  the  same 
hour  the  next  day.     General  Jackson,  cberiahing 


tf4  uri  or  «iirsRAL  jackson. 

the  hope  of  being  able  to  Mcare  an  important  ad- 
vantage, by  hiB  apparent  willingnesa  to  accede  to 
the  proposal,  drew  up  an  armistice,  and  forward- 
ed it  to  General  Lambert,  with  directions  for  it  to 
be  immediately  returned  if  approved.  It  contain- 
ed a  stipulation  to  this  effect — that  hostilities,  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  river,  should  be  discontinued 
from  its  ratification,  but  on  the  right  bank  they 
should  not  cease ;  and  that,  in  the  interim,  under 
no  circumstances  were  re-enforcements  to  be  sent 
across  by  either  party.  This  was  a  bold  stroke  al 
stratagem ;  and,  although  it  succeeded,  even  to  the 
extent  desired,  was  attended  with  considerable  haz- 
ard. Re-enforcements  had  been  ordered  over  to 
retake  the  position  lost  by  Morgan  in  the  morning, 
and  the  general  presumed  they  had  arrived  at  their 
point  of  destination ;  but,  at  this  time,  they  had  not 
passed  the  river,  nor,  could  it  be  expected  to  be  re- 
taken with  the  same  troops  who  had  yielded  it  the 
day  before,  when  possessed  of  advantages  which 
gave  them  a  decided  superiority :  this  the  com- 
manding general  well  knew  ;  yet,  to  spare  the  sac- 
rifice of  his  men,  which,  in  regaining  it,  he  foresaw 
must  be  considerable,  he  was  disposed  to  venture 
upon  a  course,  which,  he  felt  assured,  could  not  fail 
to  succeed.  It  was  impossible  his  object  could  be 
discovered  :  while  he  confidently  believed  the  Brit- 
ish commander  would  infer,  from  the  prompt  man- 
ner in  which  his  proposal  had  been  met,  that  such 
additional  troops  were  already  thrown  over,  as 
would  be  fully  adequate  co  the  purposes  of  attack, 
and  greatly  to  endanger,  if  not  wholly  to  cut  oS, 
Colonel  Thornton's  retreat  General  Lambert's 
sonstruction  was  such  as  had  been  anticipated.  Al- 
though the  anniftice  contained  a  mpieet  thai  it 


LIFI   OF  GBNBRAL  lACKfON.  f 9f 

dioold  be  immediately  signed  and  returned,  it  was 
neglected  to  be  acted  upon  until  the  next  day ;  and 
Thornton  and  his  command  were,  in  the  interim, 
under  cover  of  the  night,  re-crooaed,  and  the  ground 
they  occupied  left  to  be  peaceably  poeeessed  by  the 
original  holders.     The  opportunity  thus  afforded  of 
regaining  a  position  on  which,  in  a  great  degree, 
depended  the  safety  of  those  on  the  opposite  shore, 
tvas  accepted  with  an  avidity  its  importance  merit- 
ed, and  immediate  measures  taken  to  increase  its 
strength,  and  prepare  it  against  any  future  attack 
tliat  might  be  made.    This  delay  of  the  British  com- 
mander was  evidently  designed,  that,  pending  the 
negotiation,  and  before  it  was  concluded,  an  oppor- 
tunity might  be  had,  either  of  throwing  over  re-en- 
forcements, or  removing  Colonel  Thornton  and  his 
troops  from  a  situation  so  extremely  perilous.    Early 
next  morning.  General  Lambert  returned  his  ac- 
ceptance of  what  had  been  proposed,  with  an  apol- 
ogy for  having  failed  to  reply  sooner :  he  excused 
the  omission,  by  pleading  a  press  of  business,  which 
had  occasioned  the  communication  to  be  overlooked. 
Jackson  was  at  no  loss  to  attribute  the  delay  to  the 
correct  motive :  tlie  apology,  however,  was  as  per- 
fectly satisfactory  to  him  as  any  thing  that  could  have 
been  offered ;  beyond  the  object  intended  to  be  effect 
ed,  he  felt  unconcerned,  and,  having  secured  this, 
rested  perfectly  satisfied.     It  cannot,  however,  ap- 
pear otherwise  than  extraordinary,  that  this  neglect 
should  have  been  ascribed  by  the  British  general  to 
accident,  or  a  press  of  business,  when  it  must  have 
been,  no  doubt,  of  greater  importance,  at  that  mo- 
ment, than  any  thing  which  he  could  possibly  hare 
bad  before  him. 
25* 


S96  un  OF  aiNuuL  jackbon. 

The  armistice  was  this  momiDg  (9th  of  Janaary) 
concluded,  and  agreed  to  continue  until  two  o'clock 
in  the  evening.  The  dead  and  wounded  were  now 
removed  from  the  field,  which,  for  three  hundred 
yards  in  front  of  our  line  of  defence,  they  almost 
literally  covered  For  the  reason  already  suggest- 
ed, our  soldiers,  within  the  line  of  demarcation  be- 
tween tlie  two  camps,  delivered  over  to  the  British, 
who  were  not  permitted  to  cross  it,  the  dead  for 
burial,  and  the  wounded  on  parole,  for  which  it  was 
stipulated,  an  equal  number  of  American  prisoners 
should  be  restored. 

It  haa  seldom  happened  that  officers  were  more 
deceived  in  their  expectations  than  they  were  in 
the  result  of  this  battle,  or  atoned  more  severely  for 
their  error :  their  reasoning  had  never  led  them  to 
conclude,  that  militia  would  maintain  their  ground 
when  warmly  assailed :  a  firm  belief  was  enter- 
tained, that,  alarmed'at  the  appearance  and  orderly 
approach  of  veteran  troops,  they  would  at  once  for- 
sake the  contest,  and  in  flight  seek  for  safety.  At 
what  part  of  our  line  they  were  stationed,  was  as- 
certained by  a  deserter,  on  the  6th ;  and,  influenced 
by  a  belief  of  their  want  of  nerve,  and  deficiency  in 
bravery,  on  this  point  the  main  assault  was  urged. 
They  were  indeed  militia;  but  the  enemy  could 
have  assailed  no  part  of  our  intrenchment  where 
they  would  have  met  a  warmer  reception,  or  where 
they  would  have  found  greater  strength:  it  waa 
indeed  the  best  defended  part  of  the  line.  The 
Kentucky  and  1  ennessee  troops,  under  Generals 
Carroll,  Thomas  and  Adair,  were  here,  who  had 
already  won  a  reputation  that  was  too  dear  to  be 
•acrificed      These    divisions,  alternately  charging 


LIPB    OP   GENERAL   JACKSON.  297 

their  pieces,  and  mounting  the  platform,  poured 
forth  a  constant  fire,  that  was  impossible  to  be 
withstood,  repelled  the  advancing  columns,  and 
drove  them  from  the  field  with  prodigious  slaugh- 
ter. 

There  is  one  fact  told,  to  which  general  credit 
seems  to  be  attached,  and  which  clearly  shows  the 
opinion  had  by  tlie  British  of  our  militia,  and  the 
little  fear  which  was  entertained  of  any  determined 
opposition  from  them.     When  repulsed  from  our 
line,  the  British  officers  were  fully  persuaded  that 
the  information  given  them  by  the  deserter,  on  the 
night  of  the  6th,  was  false,  and  that,  instead  of 
pointing  out  the  ground  defended  by  the  militia,  he 
had  referred  them  to  the  place  occupied  by  our  best 
troops.     Enraged  at  what  they  believed  an  inten- 
tional deception,  they  called  their  informant  before 
them,  to  account  for  the  mischief.     It  was  in  vain 
he  urged  his  innocence,  and,  with  the  most  solemn 
protestations,  declared  he  had  stated  the  fact  truly. 
They  could  not  be  convinced, — it  was  impossible 
that  they  had  contended  against  any  but  the  best 
disciplined  troops ;  and,  without  further  ceremoi^y, 
the  poor  fellow,  suspended  in  view  of  the  camp,  ex- 
piated, on  a  tree,  not  his  crime,  for  what  he  had 
stated  was  true,  but  their  error,  in  underrating  an 
enemy  who  had  already  afforded  abundant  evidencef 
of  valour.     In  all  their  future  trials  with  our  coun 
trymen  may  the?  be  no  less  deceived ! 


UWM    OF   aiNKEAL   fAOKSOM 


CHAPTER  «■ 

Btmhanlment  of  Fort  8t.  Philtp.—BritUh  army  rttvrt  to  that 
$hipping. — Otntral  Jackson,  vnih  his  troops,  retum*  to  Ne%» 
OrUans, — Day  of  thanksgiving. — Reduction  of  Fort  Bottyer. 
-^Ltgislature  of  Louisiana  re-comtnence  their  session. — Discon- 
tents fomented  among  tJu  Amer-ican  troovs. — Arrest  of  Louail- 
Her  ;  of  Judge  HaU. — Peace  announcea. — General  Jackson  u 
protectUed  for  contempt  of  court ;  his  apaoearance  m  court.— 
Speech  ai  the  coffee-house. — His  own  opimon  of  martial  law. — 
Troops  are  discharged,  and  tlie  general  returns  to  Nashville.— 
Reduction  of  the  army. — .Jacksorrs  commission  as  general  anmd 
led. — Treaty  ttiih  Spain. — He  is  appointed  governor  of  the  Flor- 
idu.— Transactions  tliere. — His  resignation. — He  is  appointea, 
wtmitter  to  Mexico  ;  declines  the  mission ;  his  reasons  ;  is  elect- 
ed «  senator  of  the  United  States ;  resigns  the  ojice,-^HU 
ptnom  and  charaeter. — Anecdotes, — Concbmon 

Tni  conflict  had  ended,  and  each  anny  occupied 
»ti  former  position.  The  enemy  were  visibly  alter' 
ed :  menace  was  suilk  into  dejection,  and  ofienaive 
measures  yielded  to  those  which  promised  safety 
They  were  perceived  to  be  erecting  partial  defences, 
to  guard  against  expected  attack.  It  had  been  an- 
nounced, that  a  considerable  force  had  succeeded  in 
passing  the  Balize — made  prisoners  of  a  detach- 
ment, and  was  proceeding  up  the  Mississippi,  to  co- 
operate with  the  land  forces :  it  was  intended  to 
aid  in  the  battle  of  the  8th.  The  enemy,  it  seem- 
ed probable,  might  again  renew  the  attack,  on  the 
arrival  of  this  force,  and  every  preparation  wa«  in 
progress  to  be  again  in  readiness. 

Of  this  formidable  advance  no  certain  intelli- 
gence was  received  until  the  night  of  the  11th, 
when  a  heavy  cannonading,  supposed  to  be  on  Fort 
St.  Philip,  was  distinctly  heard.  Jackson  entertain- 
ed no  fears  for  the  result.     The  advantages  in  de 


uri  or  eiNiRjiL  jaouon.  ttf 

fiiAce,  which  hifl  precaution  had  early  extended  tc 
this  pajisage  to  the  city,  added  to  an  entire  confi- 
dence in  the  skill  of  the  officer  to  whom  it  had 
been  confided,  led  hira  to  believe  there  was  notJiiua: 
to  be  apprehended.  The  enemy's  squadron,  con- 
sisting of  two  bomb  vessels,  a  brig,  sloop,  and 
schooner,  were  discovered  by  the  videttes,  from 
Fort  Bourbon,  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  directing 
their  course  up  the  river ;  signals  were  made,  in- 
ibrmation  communicated,  and  every  thing  was  in 
readiness  to  receive  them.  About  ten  o'clock,  hav- 
ing approached  within  striking  distance,  an  assault 
was  commenced  on  the  fort,  and  an  immense  quan- 
tity of  bombs  and  balls  was  discharged  against  it. 
A  severe  and  well-directed  fire  from  our  water  bat- 
tery soon  compelled  them  to  retire  about  two  miles. 
At  this  distance,  the  enemy  was  possessed  of  de- 
cided advantages, — having  it  in  their  power  to  reach 
the  fort  with  the  shot  from  their  large  mortars,  'vbile 
they  were  entirely  without  the  range  of  ours. 
The  assault  continued  without  much  intermission, 
from  the  9th  until  the  night  of  the  17th.  They  had 
hitherto  lain  beyond  the  eflfective  range  of  our  shot, 
and  although,  from  their  large  mortars,  the  fort  had 
been  constantly  reached,  and  pierced  in  innumera- 
ble places,  still,  such  an  effect  had  not  been  pro- 
duced, as  to  justify  a  belief,  that  they  could  now, 
more  than  at  the  moment  of  their  arrival,  venture 
to  pass.  A  heavy  mortar  having  been  turned 
against  thera  on  the  17th,  the  security  they  had 
hitherto  enjoyed  was  taken  away:  their  vejsela 
could  now  be  reached  with  considerable  efiect 
This  circumstance,  and  an  ineflTectual  bombardment, 
which,  though  continued  for  eight  days,  had  secur 
ed  no  decided  advantage^  induced  them  to  luspimd 


too  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

all  further  efforts ;  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  I8U1, 
they  retired. 

Major  Overton,  who  commanded  at  this  place, 
hi«  officers  and  soldiers,  distinguished  themselves. 
To  arrest  the  enemy's  passage  up  the  river,  and 
prevent  them  from  uniting  with  the  forces  below  the 
city,  was  of  great  importance ;  and  to  succeed  in 
this  was  as  much  as  could  be  expected.  So  long, 
tlierefore,  as  they  kept  at  a  distance,  nor  attempted 
a  final  accomplishment  of  their  object,  no  other  con- 
cern was  felt  than  to  watch  their  manoDuvres,  and 
adopt  such  a  course  as  should  afford  safety  to  the 
troops  in  the  garrison :  for  this  purpose,  pieces  of 
timber  and  scantling  were  used,  which  formed  a 
cover,  and  gave  protection  from  their  bombs.  The 
store  of  ammunition  was  also  divided,  and  buried  in 
different  places  in  the  earth,  tliat,  in  the  event  of 
accident,  the  whole  might  not  be  lost.  During  the 
period  of  the  bombardment,  which  lasted  with  little 
intermission  for  nine  days,  sleep  was  almost  a  stran- 
ger in  the  fort.  The  night  was  the  time  when  moat 
of  all  it  was  feared  the  enemy,  aided  by  the  dark- 
ness, and  some  fortunate  breeze,  would  have  it  in 
their  power  to  ascend  the  river,  in  despite  of  every 
opposition  :  the  constant  activity,  which  was  neces- 
sary, prevented  all  opportunities  for  repose.  On  a 
tempestuous  night,  the  wind  setting  fair  to  aid  them, 
an  attempt  was  made  to  pass :  to  divert  the  atten 
tion  of  the  fort,  and  favour  the  chances  for  ascent, 
their  boats  were  sent  forward  to  commence  an  at 
tack.  In  tliis  they  were  disappointed,  and  compel- 
led to  abandon  the  undertaking.  At  length,  after 
many  fruitless  efforts,  and  an  immense  waste  of  la- 
Mmr  txid  ammunitian,  they  reared  without  effeoting 


Um   or  QKfVERAL  lACftlON.  901 

their  purpose,  or  producing,  to  us,  a  greater  injury 
than  the  loss  of  nine  of  the  garrison,  who  were  kill- 
ed and  wounded. 

The  failure  of  tliis  squadron  to  ascend  the  river, 
perhaps,  determined  General  Lambert  in  the  course 
which  he  immediately  adopted.     His  situation  be- 
fore our  line  was  truly  an  unpleasant  one.     Our 
batteries,  after  the  8th,  were  continually  throwing 
balls  and  bombs  into  his  camp ;  and  wherever  a 
party  of  troops  appeared  in   the  field,  they  were 
greatly  annoyed.     Thus  harassed, — perceivmg  all 
assistance   through   this    channel   had    failed,   and 
constantly  in  apprehension  lest  an  attack  should  be 
made  upon  him, — he  resolved  on  availing  himself 
of  the  first  favourable  opportunity  to  depart,  and 
forsake  a  contest  where  every  effort  had  met  dis- 
appointment, and  where,  an  immense  nuinber  of  hia 
troops  had  found  their  graves.     The  more  certainly 
to  efiect  a  retreat  m  safety,  detachments  had  been 
sent  out  to  remove  every  obstruction  that  could  re- 
tard their  progress  through  the  swamp.     To  give 
greater  facility  to  his  departure,  strong  redoubts 
were  erected  on  the  way,  and  bridges  thrown  across 
every  creek  and  bayou  that  obstructed  the  passage. 
Every  thing  being  thus  prepared,  on  the  night  of 
the  18th,  General  Lambert  silently  decamped,  and, 
proceeding  towards  the  lake,  embarked  for  his  ship- 
ping, leaving,  and  recommending  to  the  clemency 
of  the  American  general,  eighty  of  his  soldiers,  who 
were  too  severely  wounded  to  be  removed.     With 
such  silence  was  this  decampment  managed,  that 
not  the  slightest  intelligence   was  communicated, 
even  to  our  sentinels  occupying  the  out-posts.    Early 
on  the  next  morning,  tlie  enemy's  camp  was  perceiv- 
ed to  be  evacuated  ;  but  what  had  become  of  thtm. 


tot  UFI    OP   GENERAL  lACEBON. 

and  whither  they  had  gone,  could  only  be  conjec- 
tured :  no  information  on  the  subject  was  possessed. 
To  ascertain  the  cause  of  this  new  appearance  of 
things,  detachments  were  in  readiness  to  reconnoi- 
tre their  camp,  when  Surgeon  Wadsdale,  of  tlie 
staff,  arrived  at  our  line,  with  a  letter  to  General 
Jackson,  from  the  British  commander,  announcing 
his  determination  to  suspend,  "  for  the  present,  all 
further  operations  against  New  Orleans,"  and  re- 
questing his  humanity  towards  tjic  wounded  he  had 
left,  whom  necessity  had  compelled  him  to  abandon. 

Detachments  were  sent  out  to  ascertain  the  cause 
of  this  unexpected  state  of  tilings  ;  with  orders  to 
harass  their  rear,  if  a  retreat  were  really  intended. 
But  the  precaution  taken  by  the  enemy,  and  the 
ground  over  which  they  were  retreating,  prevented 
pursuit  in  sufficient  numbers  to  secure  any  valua- 
ble result. 

Thus,  in  total  disappointment,  terminated  an  in- 
vasion from  which  much  had  been  expected.  Twen- 
ty-six days  before,  flushed  with  the  hope  of  certain 
victory,  had  this  army  erected  its  standard  on  the 
banks  of  the  Mississippi.  At  that  moment,  they 
would  have  trea^^^ed  with  contempt  an  assertion,  that 
in  ten  days  they  would  not  enter  the  city  of  New 
Orleans.  How  changed  the  portrait  from  the  ex- 
pected reality !  But  a  few  days  since,  and  they 
were  confident  of  a  triumph,  and  a  termination  of 
their  labours  :  now,  vanquished  and  cut  to  pieces, 
at  midnight,  under  the  cover  of  its  darkness,  they  are 
found  silently  abandoning  their  camp, — breaking 
10  pieces  their  artillery, — fleeing  from  an  enemy, 
whom,  but  a  little  while  before,  they  had  held  in  ut- 
ter contempt,  and  submitting  their  wounded  to  hii 
clemency. 


uwm  or  anfiRAL  iacksow.  309 

The  enemy  h«d  indeed  retired,  and,  **fot  the 
present,  relinquiahed  all  further  operations  agtixMt 
New  Orleans ;"  but  of  what  continuance  th«»ir  for- 
bearance would  be,  whether  they  might  not  avail 
themselves  of  the  first  flattering  opportunity  to  re- 
new the  struggle,  and  wipe  off  the  stain  of  a  defeat 
so  whoUy  unexpected,  could  not  be  known.     The 
hopes  and  expectations  indulged  in  England,  of  the 
success  of  this  expedition,  had  inspirited  the  whole 
army ;    and   failure  had   never  been    anticipated. 
They  had  now  retired  ;   yet,  from  their  convenient 
situation,  and  having  command  of  the  surrounding 
waters,  it  was  in  their  power,  at  a  short  notice,  to 
re-appear,  at  the  same,  or  some  more  favourable 
point,  cause  a  repetition  of  the  hardships  already 
encountered,  and,  perhaps,  succeed  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  their  views.    These  considerations  led 
General  Jackson  to  conclude,  that,  although,  for  the 
present,  there  was  an  abandonment  of  the  enter- 
prise, still  it  behooved  him  not  to  relax  in  his  sys- 
tem of  defence;  but  be  in  constant  readiness  to 
maintain  the  advantages  he  had  gained ;  and  not 
to  risk  a  loss  of  the  country  by  a  careless  indifier- 
ence,  growing  out  of  the  belief  that  danger  had 
subsided. 

The  enemy  being  again  at  their  shipping,  with 
an  entire  control  of  the  lakes  and  gulf,  it  could  not 
be  known  at  what  point  they  might  venture  on  a 
second  attack.  General  Jackson  determined  to 
withdraw  his  troops  from  the  position  they  had  so 
long  occupied,  and  place  them  about  the  city, 
whence,  to  repel  any  further  attempt  that  might  be 
made,  they  could  be  advanced  wherever  it  should 
become  necessary.  The  seventh  reguuent  of  m- 
fkntry  remained  to  protect  the  point  he  wa«  leavinf , 


804  urm  or  qinkbai.  iac&moi 

while,  farUier  in  advance,  on  Villery's  Canal,  where 
a  landing  had  been  first  effected,  were  posted  a  de- 
tachment of  Kentucky  and  Louisiana  militia.  To 
secure  Uiis  point  more  effectually,  orders  were  giv- 
en, on  the  22d,  to  throw  up  a  strong  fortification  at 
the  junction  of  Manzant  and  Bayou  Bienvenu ;  which 
order  was  again  attempted  to  be  executed  on  the 
25th.  On  both  occasions  failure  was  the  result, 
from  the  circumstance  of  the  enemy  having,  on 
^heir  retreat,  left  a  strong  guard  at  this  place, 
\vhich,  from  its  situation,  defied  approach  by  a  force 
competent  to  its  reduction.  Their  occupying  this 
position  was  looked  to  as  a  circumstance  which  af- 
forded strong  evidence  that  further  liostilities  were 
aot  wholly  abandoned.  To  counteract,  however, 
any  advantages  which  might  thence  be  derived,  dif- 
ferent points  along  the  swamp,  and  in  the  direction 
of  Terre  au  BoBuf,  were  occupied,  and  strong  works 
erected. 

These  arrangements  being  made,  calculated,  if  not 
to  prevent,  to  give  intelligence  of  an  approach  ip 
time  to  be  resisted,  on  the  20th  of  January,  Gene- 
ral Jackson,  with  his  remaining  forces,  commenced 
his  march  to  New  Orleans.  The  general  glow  ex- 
cited at  beholding  his  entrance  into  the  city,  at  the 
head  of  a  victorious  army,  was  manifested  by  all 
those  feelings  which  patriotism  inspires.  The  win- 
dows and  streets  were  crowded,  to  view  the  man 
who  had  preserved  the  country  It  was  a  scene 
well  calculated  to  excite  the  tenderest  emotions. 
Fathers,  sons,  and  husbands,  urged  by  the  necessity 
of  the  times,  were  toiling  in  defence  of  their  wives 
and  children.  A  ferocious  soldiery,  skilled  in  the 
trt  of  war,  and  to  whom  every  indulgence  had  been 
pronuAcd,  were  straining  to  effect  their  object   The 


Uri   OF   GENERAL  JACKtON.  SOI 

tender  female,  relieved  from  the  angtUBh  of  aiu- 
pensc,  no  longer  trembled  for  her  safety  and  her 
honour :  a  new  order  of  tilings  had  arisen :  jcy 
sparkled  in  every  countenance ;  while  scarcely  a 
widow  or  an  orphan  was  seen,  to  cloud  the  general 
transport.  The  general,  under  whose  banners  ev- 
ery thing  had  been  achieved,  deliberate,  and  spar- 
ing of  the  lives  of  the  brave,  had  dispelled  the  storm 
which  had  so  long  threatened  the  ruin  of  thousands; 
and  was  now  restoring,  unhurt,  those  who  had  with 
him  maintained  the  contest.  His  approach  was 
hailed  with  acclamations.  All  greeted  his  return, 
and  hailed  him  as  their  deliverer. 

The  23d  having  been  appointed  a  day  of  prayer 
and  thanksgiving  for  the  happy  deliverance  effect- 
ed by  our  arms,  Jackson  repaired  to  the  cathedral. 
The  church  and  altar  were  splendidly  decorated, 
and  more  than  could  obtain  admission  had  crowded 
to  witness  the  ceremony.  A  grateful  recollection 
of  his  exertions  to  save  the  country  was  cherished 
by  ail ;  nor  did  the  solemnity  of  the  occasion,  even 
here,  restrain  a  manifestation  of  their  regard,  or  in- 
duce them  to  withhold  the  honour  he  had  so  nobly 
earned.  Children,  robed  in  white,  and  represent- 
ing the  different  states,  were  employed  in  strew- 
ing the  way  with  flowers ;  while,  as  he  passed,  a 
flattering  ode,  produced  for  the  occasion,  saluted 
Ilia  ears : — 

Hail  to  the  chief!  who  hied  at  wax's  alarms 
To  save  our  threatened  land  from  hostile  arms: 
Preserved,  protected  by  his  gallant  care, 
Be  his  the  grateful  tribute  of  each  fair  : 
With  joyful  triumph  swell  the  choral  lay — 
Strew,  strew  with  flow'rs  the  hero's  welcome  way. 
Jackaon,  all  hail  !^K)ur  country's  pride  and  boait 
Whose  mind's  a  council,  and  his  arm  a  hofi* 


iO#  Un    or   QKN8RAL   JACKSON. 

Welcome;  bl«rt  chief!  accept  our  grateful  Uyi, 
UnbiddeD  homage,  and  sponianeou*  praite} 
KememDrance  long  shall  keep  alive  thy  fame, 
And  future  infants  learn  to  lisp  thy  name. 

When  the  general  reached  the  church,  Dubourg 
the  reverend  administrator  of  the  diocese,  met  him 
at  the  door.  Addressing  him  in  a  strain  of  pious 
eloquence,  he  entreated  him  to  remember,  that  his 
splendid  achievements,  which  were  echoed  from 
every  tongue,  were  to  be  ascribed  to  Him  to  whom 
all  praise  was  due.  "  Let  the  votary  of  blind  chance," 
continued  he,  "  deride  our  credulous  simplicity.  Let 
the  cold-hearted  atheist  look  for  an  explanation  of 
important  events  to  the  mere  concatenation  of  hu- 
man causes  :  to  us,  the  whole  world  is  loud  in  pro- 
claiming a  Supreme  Ruler,  who,  as  he  holds  the 
destiny  of  man  in  his  hands,  holds  also  the  thread 
of  all  contingent  occurrences  :  from  his  lofty  throne, 
he  moves  every  scene  below, — inftises  hia  wisdom  in- 
to the  rulers  of  nations,  and  executes  his  uncontrolla- 
ble judgments  on  the  sons  of  men,  according  to  the 
dictates  of  his  own  unerring  justice."  He  conclud- 
ed his  impressive  address,  by  presenting  the  gene- 
ral with  a  wreath  of  laurel,  woven  for  the  occaaion, 
and  which  he  desired  him  to  accept  a«  "  a  prize  of 
victory." 

General  Jackson  accepted  the  pledge,  prciented 
as  a  mark  of  distinguished  favour  by  the  reverend 
prelate,  and  returned  him  a  reply  no  lees  impressive 
than  the  address  he  had  received.  He  waa  now 
conducted  in,  and  seated  near  the  altar,  when  the 
church  ceremonies  were  commenced,  and  inspired 
every  mind  with  a  solemn  reverence  fcr  the  occi- 
aion.  These  being  ended,  he  retired  to  his  quar- 
ters, to  renew  a  system  of  defence,  which  should 


Lira   or   niNIRAL  JACKflOJf.  t07 

enitirc  entire  aafcty.  and  ward  off  any  fbture  dan- 
ger that  might  arise.  The  right  bank  of  t^  e  Mis- 
sissippi was  now  strengthened  by  additional  re-en- 
forcements, and  a  strong  position  taken  on  La 
Fourche,  to  prevent  any  passage  in  that  direction. 
Suitable  arrangements  for  security  having  been  al- 
ready made  below  the  city,  Generals  Coffee  and 
Carroll  were  instructed  to  resume  their  former  en- 
campment, four  miles  above.  The  rest  of  the  troops 
were  arranged  at  different  points,  where  necessity 
seemed  most  to  require  it. 

Previously  to  General  Lambert's  departure,  arti- 
cles of  agreement  had  been  entered  into  by  the 
commanders  of  the  two  armies,  for  an  exchange  ot 
prisoners ;  in  pursuance  of  which,  sixty-three 
Americans,  taken  on  the  night  of  the  23d,  had 
been  delivered  up :  the  remainder,  principally  taken 
at  the  capture  of  our  gun-boats,  were  afterwards 
surrendered  by  Admiral  Cochrane,  and  an  equaj 
number  of  British  prisoners  sent  off*  to  be  delivered 
at  the  BaJize. 

The  enemy  had  now  withdrawn  from  the  shore 
the  troops  which  had  been  landed,  and  occupied 
their  former  position  at  Cat  and  Ship  Islands.  Mor- 
tified at  their  unexpected  disaster,  they  were  pro- 
jecting a  plan,  by  which  it  was  expected  a  partial 
advantage  might,  perhaps,  be  secured,  and  the  stig- 
ma of  defeat  bo  somewhat  obliterated. 

Fort  Bowyer  had  been  once  assailed,  with  a  con- 
siderable force,  by  land  and  water,  and  failure  had 
resulted.  This  post,  the  key  to  Mobile,  of  infinite 
consequence,  had  been  retained  under  the  com- 
mand of  him,  who,  heretofore,  had  defended  it  »o 
valiantly.  The  British  commander,  turning  from 
those  scenes  of  disappointment,  ann  anxious  to  re- 
26* 


SOS  LIPB    OP   GENERAL   JACKSOR. 

trieve  hifl  fortunes,  before,  with  his  shattered  and 
diminished  forces,  he  should  retire,  perceived  no 
place  against  which  he  might  proceed  with  better 
founded  hopes  of  success 

On  the  6th  of  February,  the  British  shipping  ap- 
peared off  Dauphin  Island,  fronting  the  point  on 
which  stood  the  fort,  garrisoned  with  three  hundred 
and  sixty  men.  Hflving  made  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements, on  the  8th  an  attack  was  commenced, 
both  from  the  land  and  water.  The  fleet  was  form- 
ed in  two  divisions,  and  approached  within  one  and 
two  miles,  bearing  south  and  south-west  from  it. 
But  the  principal  attack,  and  that  which  compelled 
a  surrender,  was  from  the  shore,  where  Colonel 
Nicholls  and  Woodbine  had  carried  on  their  opera- 
tions in  September.  Five  thousand  troops,  aided  by 
pieces  of  lieavy  ordnance,  secured  from  the  fire  of 
our  guns  by  large  embankments,  urged  the  assault. 
Under  cover  of  the  two  succeeding  nights,  redoubts 
had  been  thrown  up,  and  trenches  cut  through  the 
sand,  which  enabled  them  to  approach  gradually, 
without  being  exposed  to  the  fire  of  our  guns. 
Twice,  on  the  8th,  were  detachments  sent  out,  to 
effect  by  storm  the  accomplishment  of  their  pur- 
pose ;  but  the  fire  from  the  fort  compelled  an  aban- 
donment of  their  course,  and  drove  tliem  to  the  ne- 
cessity of  approaching  by  trenches,  protected  by 
strong  redoubts.  To  demolish  these  from  the  fort 
was  impracticable  from  their  strength  ;  and  to  at- 
tempt to  prevent  their  erection  by  any  sortie,  with 
80  weak  a  force,  would  have  been  imprudent.  Thus 
situated,  and  every  thing  being  ready  to  attack  the 
fort,  if  opposition  were  still  intended,  about  ten 
o'clock  on  the  11th  the  enemy  hoietcd  a  Cag:  Major 
Lawrvacc  raised  another.     Hotlilities  ceued,  lad 


UFl    OF   GENERAL    JACKSON-  fOf 

General  Lambert  required  a  surrender.  The  oflS 
sers,  being  convoked,  with  one  consent  agreed  that 
further  resistance  would  be  ineffectual,  and  could 
only  lead  to  the  unnecessary  loss  of  many  valuable 
lives.  A  capitulation  was  agreed  on,  and  the  fort 
forthwith  yielded  to  the  enemy. 

General  Winchester,  who  commanded  at  Mobile, 
having  received  intelligence  of  what  was  passing 
at  the  point,  ordered  a  detachment  of  a  thousand 
men,  under  Major  Blue,  to  proceed  down  the  bay, 
and  aid  in  its  defence.  This  auxiliary  force  was  to( 
late  :  having  surprised  and  captured  one  of  the  en 
emy's  out  pickets,  consisting  of  seventeen  men,  an(] 
ascertained  that  a  surrender  had  already  taken 
place,  they  returned.  Had  this  detachment  reach 
ed  its  destination,  our  loss  would  have  been  more 
severe.  The  enemy's  forces  were  too  numerous, 
and  their  means  of  attack  too  effectual,  for  any 
different  result  to  have  takon  place,  even  had  the 
detachment  arrived  m  time. 

It  had  early  been  the  wisA  jf  General  Jackson 
for  the  large  frigate,  lying  at  Tchifonte,  to  be  com- 
pleted, and  placed  in  defence  of  Fort  Bowyer.  Wa 
have  before  remarked  the  confidence  entertained 
by  him,  that,  with  the  aid  of  this  vessel,  no  force 
brought  against  the  place  would  be  competent  to 
its  reduction.  Near  it  is  the  only  channel  a  vessel 
of  any  size  can  pass.  This  frigate,  occupying  the 
passage,  would  have  presented  as  strong  a  battery 
as  could  be  brought  against  her,  and,  with  the  aid 
of  the  fort,  defied  any  assault  from  the  water  • 
while  her  position  would  have  enabled  her  to  have 
thrown  her  bombs  and  shot  across  the  narrow  neck 
of  land,  in  the  rear  of  the  point,  and  arrested  the  ad 
vanc«  of  any  number  of  troops,  which,  in  thia  diree 


810  Ura    OP    GENERAL      ACK801I. 

tion,  might  have  attempted  an  approach.  Yet  more 
money  had  been  disbursed  by  the  government  ic 
erecting  shelters,  to  protect  the  frigate  from  the 
weather,  than  would  have  been  sufficient  for  her 
completion. 

The  legislature  of  Louisiana  had  re-commenced 
their  session.  Some  of  the  members,  during  the 
past  struggle,  had  forsaken  their  official  duties,  and 
repaired  to  the  field,  where  more  important  services 
were  to  be  rendered,  and  where  they  had  manifest- 
ed a  devotion  to  the  country  worthy  of  imitation. 
A  much  greater  part,  however,  had  pursued  a  very 
opposite  course,  and  stood  aloof  from  the  impending 
danger.  The  disposition  they  had  shown,  on  the 
28th  of  December,  to  propose  a  capitulation,  has 
been  adverted  to  :  how  far  it  was  calculated  to  es- 
trange the  public  sentiment  from  that  conviction, 
which  the  commanding  general  h'ad  endeavoured 
to  impress,  "  that  the  country  could  and  would  be 
successfully  defended,"  can  be  easUy  imagined 
But  with  them  he  had  sinned  beyond  forgiveness. 
The  course  he  had  adopted — his  arresting  their 
proceedings,  and  suspending  their  deliberations,  by 
placing  an  armed  force  at  the  door  of  the  capitol 
were  viewed  as  intolerable  infringements  upon  le- 
gislative prerogative,  denounced  as  an  abuse  of 
power,  and  hence  the  first  opportunity  was  seized 
to  exhibit  their  resentment. 

No  sooner  had  the  members  resumed  the  exer- 
cise of  their  legislative  duties,  than  their  first  con- 
cern was  to  pass  in  review  the  incidents  of  the  Ieisi 
month.  To  those  who  had  acted  vigilantly  in  the 
defence  of  the  state,  and  who,  by  their  toils  and  ex 
ertions,  had  contributed  to  its  safety,  they  officially 
tendered  their  thanki.     In  pursuance  of  thoir  veeo- 


Lira    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  31] 

iatiom,  the  governor  addressed  the  principal  ofli 
ccra ;  but  of  Jackson  nothing  was  said.  We  are 
not  diapoaed  to  censure,  or  even  call  in  question,  the 
conduct  of  this  body,  though  the  circumstances  pre- 
sent no  very  favourable  appearance.  When  dan- 
ger threatened,  they  were  disposed  to  make  terms 
with  the  enemy,  by  a  surrender  of  the  city :  froiij 
this  they  were  prevented  by  a  decision  of  charac- 
ter that  compelled  legislative  to  yield  to  military 
authority.  Greatly  incensed  at  being  thus  unex- 
pectedly restrained  in  the  execution  of  their  de- 
signs, no  sooner  did  they  resume  the  duties  of  their 
station,  than  they  became  lavish  in  the  praise  of 
those  who  pursued  a  course  directly  contrary  to 
their  own  ;  while  in  that  commendation  they  inten- 
tionally neglected  the  very  man,  to  whom  their  sec- 
tion of  the  country  was  indebted  for  its  salvation. 

Appearances  in  the  American  camp  were  about 
this  time  assuming  an  unfavourable  aspect :  present 
danger  being  removed,  confusion  was  arising,  and 
disaffection  spreading  through  the  ranks.  Pretexts 
were  sought  after  to  escape  the  drudgery  of  the 
field.  Many  naturalized  .citizens,  who  had  been 
brought  into  the  service,  to  aid  in  the  general  de- 
fence, were  seekmg  exemption  from  further  control, 
and  clausing  to  be  subjects  of  the  king  of  France. 
Some  were  indeed  foreigners ;  but  most  of  them 
had,  by  naturalization,  become  citizens  of  the  Unit- 
ed States.  Notwithstanding  this,  as  French  sub- 
jects, they  were  actually  procuring  exonerations 
through  Monsieur  Toussard,  tlie  consul  resident  at 
New  Orleans.  No  applicant  ever  went  away  un- 
supplied,  and  hundreds,  for  tne  price  of  a  coasula! 
certificate,  obtained  protections  which  were  to  re- 
lieve tbem  from  the  drudgery  of  the  field,  and  th« 


81S  Um    OP  GENERAL   JACKSON. 

ties  due  to  their  adopted  country  A  flag  wa«  dis- 
played from  the  consul's  residence,  and  runwur  cir- 
culated, that  under  it  every  Frenchman  would  find 
protection.  Five  dollars,  the  price  of  the  certificate, 
was  all  that  was  required  of  any  applicant  to  assure, 
through  the  consel,  the  protection  of  the  French 
government.  Harassed  by  such  evils,  every  day 
increasing,  and  having  satisfactory  reasons  to  be- 
lieve the  enemy,  then  within  a  few  hours'  sail  of  the 
shore,  were  constantly  advised  of  his  situation,  Jack- 
son determined  to  adopt  such  measures  as  would  at 
once  put  down  the  machinations  of  the  desigmng. 
Toussard,  thus  manifesting — what  could  be  consid- 
ered in  no  other  light — a  warmth  of  attachment  to 
the  English,  and  a  desire  to  aid  them,  for  the  aer- 
vicee,  perhaps,  which  they  had  given  in  the  restora- 
tion of  his  monarch,  was  ordered  to  leave  the  city, 
retire  to  the  interior  of  the  country,  nor  venture  to 
return,  until  peace  was  restored.  His  countrymen, 
also,  who  were  disposed  to  claim  his  protection, 
and  abandon  the  service,  were  ordered  to  fol 
low  him,  and,  at  their  peril,  not  to  appear  again 
about  New  Or.teans.  The  general  did  this  with  a 
view  to  his  own  security,  from  a  comiction  that 
those  who  could  thus  shamefully  seek  to  avoid  a 
contest,  threatened  against  a  country  which  they 
had  adopted,  would  not  scruple,  if  an  occasion  of- 
fered, to  inflict  any  injury  in  their  power. 

Our  own  citizens,  too,  were  giving  rise  to  diffi- 
culties, and  increasing  the  danger  of  the  moment. 
Mr.  Livingston  had  arrived,  on  the  10th,  from  the 
British  fleet,  whither  he  had  gone  to  eflTect  a  gen- 
eral cartel :  through  him,  Admiral  Cochrane  had  an- 
riounced  the  arrival  of  a  vessel  from  Jamaica,  with 
news,  that  a  treaty  of  peace  bad  been  ij^ood  on, 


tlFK    OF    OEi^£RAL    JACKSON.  S18 

and  signed  by  the  two  countries.    This  informatiou 
was  immediately  caught  at  by  the  news-mongers, 
and,  eitlicr  from  intention  or  want  of  correct  intel- 
ligence, it  suddenly  appeared  in  the  Louisiana  Ga- 
zette, in  an  entirely  different  shape  :  it  stated  the 
arrival  of  a  flag  at  head-quarters,  which  announced 
the  conclusion  of  a  peace,  and  requested  a  suspen- 
sion of  hostilities.      It  was  evident  the  effect  of 
^uch  a  declaration  would  be  to  hitroduce  lassitude, 
•   or  perhaps  disaffection,  among  the  troops,  and  induce 
a  belief  that  their  accustomed  vigilance  was  no  long- 
er necessary.    Sensible  of  this.  General  Jackson  sent 
for  the  editor,  and  instructed  him  to  al'ter  what  he 
had  stated,  and  exliibit  the  facts,  which  he  now  com- 
municated to  him,  truly  as  they  were.    He  adopted 
this  course  from  fear  of  the  consequences  to  be 
produced  to  himself.    One  thing  he  well  knew,  that 
the  enemy  had  retired  under  circumstances  of  mor- 
tification at  their  complete  discomfiture  ;  nor  was  it 
an  improbable  conjecture  that  they  might  yet  seek 
an  accomplishment   of  their    views    through  anv 
channel    a   hope   of  success  could   be  discerned. 
Might  not  this  annunciation  of  peace,  and  request 
for  the  suspension  of  hostilities,  introduced  through 
the  public  journals,  be  a  device  of  the  enemy  to  in- 
duce a  relaxation  in  his  system  of  operation ;  to  di- 
vert his  officers  and  soldiers  from  that  activity  so 
essential  to  security  ;  to  excite  discontents,  and  a 
desire  to  be  discharged  from  the  further  drudg- 
ery of  a  camp  ?    All  these  dangers  he  saw  lurking 
beneath  it,  if  false  ;  and,  whether  true  or  false,  it 
was  foreign  to  his  duty  to  be  influenced  by  any 
thing,  until  it  should  be  officially  communicated  by 
his   government.     Fearful   of  the  effect  it  might 
produce,  he  lost  no  time  -in  addressing  hi»  axmy 


tI4  IJFI    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

•*How  dilgraceful,"  he  remarked,  "  as  well  as  disa* 
trouB,  would  it  be,  if,  by  surrendering  ourselves 
credulouely  to  newspaper  publications,  often  pro- 
ceeding from  ignorance,  but  more  frequently  from 
dishonest  design,  we  should  permit  an  enemy,  whon? 
we  have  so  lately  and  so  gloriously  beaten,  to  re- 
gain the  advantages  he  has  lost,  and  triumph  ove? 
us  in  turn  !"  A  general  order,  at  the  same  time,  an 
nounced  that  no  publication  relating  to,  or  affect 
ing  the  army,  was  to  be  published  in  any  newspa- 
per, without  permission  first  obtained. 

Notwithstanding  this  prohibition,  shortly  after- 
wards an  anonymous  publication  appeared  in  the 
Courier,  calculated  by  its  inflanmiatory  character 
to  excite  mutiny  among  the  troops,  and  afford  the 
enemy  intelligence  of  the  disposition  of  the  army. 
It  was  high  time,  the  general  believed,  to  act  with 
decision,  and  prove,  by  the  rigid  exercise  of  author- 
ity, that  such  conduct  militated  against  the  police 
and  safety  of  his  camp,  and  required  not  to  be  pass- 
ed with  impunity.  The  enemy  had  heretofore  ef- 
fected a  landing  without  opposition  ;  and,  although 
beaten,  might  again  return.  If  spies  w^erc  to  be 
nestled  in  his  camp,  and  permitted  to  go  forth  to  the 
world  with  the  gleanings  of  their  industry,  it  was 
folly  to  believe  the  enemy  would  not  profit  by  the 
information.  Martial  law  still  prevailed  in  New 
Orleans,  and  he  resolved  to  put  it  in  execution 
gainst  those  who  manifested  such  an  evident  dis- 
.cgard  of  the  public  good.  The  editor  was  imme- 
diately sent  for  to  the  general's  quarters  ;  he  stat- 
ed the  author  of  the  piece  tc  be Louaillier, 

a  member  of  the  legislature,  and  he  was  thereupon 
discharged. 


Un   OP  SINBftAL  lAOUOM.  tli 

Louaillier  was  arrested,  and  detained  for  trial. 
ThiB  circumstance  affbrded  civilians  a  fair  opportu- 
nity of  testing  if  it  were  in  the  power  of  a  com- 
manding general  to  raise  the  military  above  the  civ- 
il authority,  and  render  it  superior  by  any  declara- 
tion of  his.  Application  was  made  to  Judge  Hall 
for  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus,  which  was  immediate 
ly  issued.  The  general,  to  render  the  example  as 
efficacious  aa  possible,  and  from  information  that 
the  judge  had  been  much  more  officious  than  his 
duty  required,  and  believing,  in  fact,  that  it  was  a 
measure  of  concert  to  test  his  power,  determined 
to  arrest  him  also,  and  thereby  at  once  to  settle  the 
question  of  authority. 

Instead  of  surrendering  Mr.  Louailliei,  and  act- 
mg  in  obedience  to  the  writ  which  had  issued  for 
his  relief,  he  seized  the  person  of  the  judge,  and,  on 
the  11th  of  the  month,  sent  him  from  the  city,  with 
these  instructions — «  I  have  thought  proper  to 
send  you  beyond  the  limits  of  my  encampment,  to 
prevent  a  repetition  of  the  improper  conduct  with 
which  you  have  been  charged.  You  will  remain 
without  the  line  of  my  sentinels  until  the  ratifica 
tion  of  peace  is  regularly  announced,  or  until  the 
British  shall  have  left  the  southern  coast" 

The  spirit  of  discontent  had  become  extensively 
diffiised.  The  different  posts,  which  had  been  es- 
tablished, could  with  difficulty  be  maintained.  The 
Kentucky  troops,  and  two  hundred  of  the  Louisia- 
na militia,  stationed  in  defence  of  Villery's  Canal, 
had  abandoned  their  post.  Chef  Menteur,  too,  a 
pwnt  no  less  important,  had  been  forsaken  by  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  the  Louisianians,  in  despite  of 
the  exertions  of  their  officers  to  detain  them.  Gov- 
ernor Claiborne  had  been  heard  to  declare,  in  words 
27 


S16       UFB  OP  GENERAL  JACUION. 

of  myateriouB  import,  that  serious  difficulties  .vould 
oe  shortly  witnessed  in  New  Orleans.  For  the 
commanding  general,  at  a  time  like  this,  when  dis- 
affection was  spreading  like  contagion  through  his 
camp,  patiently  to  have  stood  and  witnessed  muti 
ny  fomented  and  encouraged  by  persons,  who,  from 
their  standing  in  society,  were  calculated  to  pos- 
sess a  dangerous  influence,  would  have  been  a  crime 
for  which  he  never  could  have  atoned.  He  thought 
it  time  enough  to  relax  in  his  operations,  and  ground 
his  arms,  when  the  conclusion  of  peace  should  be 
announced  through  tlie  proper  authorities.  Until 
then,  believing  that  imperious  duty  required  it,  he 
resolved  to  maintain  his  advantages,  and  check  op- 
position, at  every  hazard.  To  have  obeyed  the  writ 
tt'ould  have  been  idle.  He  had  declared  the  exist- 
ence of  military  authority,  and  thereby  intended  to 
supersede  all  judicial.power.  If  he  had  obeyed  the 
mandate,  it  would  have  been  a.n  acknowledgment  oi 
civil  supremacy,  and  a  virtual  abandonment  of  the 
course  he  had  adopted.  It  was  not  an  improbable 
event,  that  the  petitioner  would  be  discharged,  on  a 
hearing,  because  guilty  of  no  offence  cognizable  by 
the  civil  courts. 

On  the  13th  of  the  month,  two  days  after  the 
departure  of  Judge  Hall  from  the  city,  an  express 
reached  head-quarters,  with  despatches  from  the 
war  department,  at  Washington,  announcing  the 
conclusion  of  a  peace  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
United  States,  and  directing  a  cessation  of  hostili 
ties.  A  similar  communication  from  his  govern 
ment  waa  received  by  General  Lambert  shortly  af 
terwarda,  and  on  the  19th  military  operations,  b) 
the  two  armies,  entirely  ceased.  The  aspect  of  af 
fairs  waa  now  changing :  the  mUitia  were  discharge 


LIFE    OF    OSNERAL    JACKSON.  Sl'^ 

ed  from  service ;  bustle  was  subsiding ;  and  joy 
and  tranquillity  every  where  appearing.  A  procla- 
mation, by  the  direction  of  the  president  of  the 
United  States,  was  issued,  extending  pardon  and 
forgiveness  for  past  offences. 

Judge  Hall,  being  restored  to  the  exercise  of 
those  functions,  of  which  he  had  been  lately  be- 
reaved by  military  arrest,  proceeded,  without  loss 
df  time,  to  an  examination  of  what  had  passed,  and 
to  become  the  arbiter  of  his  own  injuries.  Accord- 
mgly,  on  the  21st,  he  granted  a  rule  of  court  for 
General  Jackson  to  appear,  and  show  cause  why  an 
attachment  for  contempt  should  not  be  awarded,  on 
the  ground  that  he  had  refused  to  obey  a  writ  issu- 
ed to  him,  detained  an  original  paper  belonging  to 
the  court,  and  imprisoned  the  judge. 

On  the  24th,  his  appearance  being  entered,  he 
stood  represented  at  the  bar  by  John  Reid,  his  aid- 
de-camp,  and  Messrs.  Livingston  and  Duncan.  Ma- 
jor Reid,  addressing  himself  to  the  court,  remarked, 
that  he  appeared  with  the  general's  answer,  supported 
by  an  affidavit,  which  went  to  show,  that  the  rule 
should  be  discharged,  and  no  further  proceeding  had 
against  him.  A  curious  course  of  judicial  proceed- 
ing was  now  witnessed.  Cause  why  the  rule  should 
not  be  made  absolute  was  to  be  shown,  and  yet  the 
judge  would  determine  whether  the  reasons  were 
exceptionable  or  not,  previously  to  their  being  heard 
or  seen.  The  counsel  urged  in  vain  the  propriety 
of  his  hearing  first,  before  he  decided,  if  the  an- 
swer were  consonant  with  propriety.  This  was 
over-ruled.  He  would  first  determine  what  it  should 
be.  If  within  any  of  the  rules  laid  down,  it  should 
be  heard, — not  else. 


318  LIPB    OP    GBNiaAL    iACKSOK. 

"  If,"  remarked  the  judge,  "  the  party  object  to 
Uie  jurisdiction,  he  shall  be  heard. 

"  If  it  be  a  denial  of  facta,  or  that  the  facta  char^ 
ed  do  not  amount  to  a  contempt,  he  shall  be  heard 

"  If  it  be  an  apology  to  the  court,  or  an  inten- 
tion to  show,  that  by  the  constitution  and  laws  of 
the  United  States,  or  in  virtue  of  his  military  coni- 
miflBion,  he  had  a  right  to  act  aa  charged,  the  court 
will  hear  him." 

"  Hear  what  it  does  contain,  and  you  can  then 
decide  if  it  come  under  any  of  the  general  rules 
laid  down,"  was  replied  and  argued  at  length  by 
hifl  counsel,  aa  the  correct  and  proper  course. 

After  a  debate  of  considerable  length,  Major 
Reid  waa  permitted  to  read  the  answer.  He  had 
gotten  through  the  exceptions  reserved  as  to  the 
jurisdiction,  and  waa  proceeding  with  the  reapond- 
ent's  reaaona,  manifesting  the  necessity,  and  the 
consequent  propriety*,  of  declaring  martial  law,  when 
he  waa  again  interrupted  by  the  judge,  because 
coming  within  none  of  the  rulea  which  he  had  laid 
down.  The  ears  of  the  court  were  closed  against 
every  thing  of  argument  or  reason,  and,  without 
hearing  the  defence,  the  rule  against  him  was  ren- 
dered absolute,  and  the  attachment  sued  out. 

This  process  was  made  returnable  the  Slst;  and 
on  that  day  the  general  appeared.  Public  feeling 
was  excited,  and  the  crowd,  on  the  tiptoe  of  expecta- 
tion, were  anxiously  waitiig  to  know  what  punish- 
ment the  judge  would  th  nk  due  to  acts,  which  aU 
agreed  had  contributed  to  tlie  success  of  our  cause. 
Jackson,  apprized  of  the  popular  fervour  towards 
him,  and  solicitous  tliat  nothing  on  his  part  should 
be  done  calculated  to  give  it  impulse,  practised 
more  than  uaual  caution ;  and  now,  when  it  had  be- 


t.WM    or    «Efl£AAL    JACKSO.^.  il 

corne  Aecesaary  to  appear  in  public,  to  ward  Jiiijj^elf 
from  crimes  imputed,  he  threw  off  his  military  cos- 
tume, and,  assuming  the  garb  of  a  citizen,  the  bet- 
er  to  disguise  himself,  entered  alone  the  haU  where 
he  court  was  sitting.     Undiscovered   amidst  the 
concourse  which  was  present,  he  had  nearly  reach- 
ed the  bar,  when,  being  perceived,  the  room  in- 
stantly rung  with  the  shouts  of  a  thousand  voices. 
Raising  himself  on  a  bench,  and  moving  his  hand 
to  procure  silence,  a  pause  ensued.     He  then  ad- 
dressed himself  to  the  crowd  ;  told  thera  of  the  duty 
due  to  the  public  authorities  :  for  that  any  impro- 
priety of  theirs  would  be  imputed  to  him ;  and  urged, 
if  they  had  any  regard  for  him,  that  they  would,  or 
the  present  occasion,  forbear  those  exp'ressions  of 
opinion.     Silence  being  restored,  the  judge  rose 
from  his  seat,  and,  remarking  that  it  was  impossible 
to  transact  business  under  such  threatening  circum- 
stances, directed  the  marshal  to  adjourn  the  court. 
The  general  immediately  interfered,  and  requested 
that  it  might  not  be  done.     «  There  is  no  danger 
here ;  there  shall  be  none ;  the  same  arm,  that  pro- 
tected  fix)m  outrage  this  city,  wiU  shield  and  pro- 
tect this  court,  or  perish  in  the  effort."     This  dec 
laration  had  the  effect  to  tranquillize  the  feelings  of 
the  judge  ;  and  the  business  of  the  court  was  pro- 
ceeded with.     It  was  now  demanded  of  him  to  an- 
swer nineteen  interrogatories,  drawn  up  with  much 
labour,  and  in  studied  form,  which  were  to  deter- 
mine aji  to  his  guilt  or  innocence.    He  informed  the 
court  ho  should  not  be  interrogated  ;  that,  on  a 
former  occasion,   he   liad    presented   the  reaiont 
which  had  influenced  his  conduct,  without  their 
producing  an  effect,   or  being   even   liitened  to. 
You  would  not  hoar  my  defence,  although  yo«  ' 


S90  uwm  or  general  jacksoii. 

were  advined  it  contained  nothing  improper,  and 
ample  reasons  v/hy  no  attachment  should  be  award- 
ed. Under  these  circumstances.  I  appear  before 
fou,  to  receive  the  sentence  of  the  court,  having 
nothing  fiirther  in  my  defence  to  offer. 

"  Your  honour  wUl  not  understand  me  as  intend- 
ing  any  disrespect  to  the  court ;  but  as  no  opp  rtu- 
nity  has  been  afforded  me  of  explaining  the  rea- 
sons and  motives  by  which  I  was  influenced,  so  is 
it  expected,  that  censure  or  reproof  w^ill  constitute 
no  part  of  that  sentence  which  yci  may  imagine  it 
your  duty  to  pronounce." 

The  judge  proceeded  to  a  final  discharge  of  what 
he  conceived  was  due  to  the  offended  majesty  of 
the  laws,  and  fined  the  general  a  thousand  dollars. 

The  hall  in  which  this  business  was  transacted 
was  greatly  crowded,  and  excitement  every  where 
prevailed.  No  sooner  was  the  judgment  of  the 
court  pronounced,  than  again  were  sent  forth  shouts 
of  the  people.  He  was  forcibly  hurried  from  the 
hall  to  the  streets,  amidst  reiterated  cries  of  "  Huzza 
for  Jackson  !"  from  the  immense  concourse  that  sur- 
rounded him.  They  presently  met  a  carriage  in 
which  a  lady  was  riding,  when,  politely  taking  her 
from  it,  the  general  was  made,  spite  of  entreaty,  to 
occupy  her  place :  the  horses  being  removed,  the 
carriage  was  drawn  on,  and  halted  at  the  coffee- 
house, into  which  he  was  carried,  and  thither  the 
crowd  followed,  huzzaing  for  Jackson,  and  menac- 
ing violently  the  judge.  Having  prevailed  on  them 
to  hear  him,  he  addressed  them  with  great  earnest- 
0688  ;  implored  them  to  run  into  no  excesses  ;  that, 
if  they  had  the  least  gratitude  for  his  services,  or 
regard  for  him  personally  they  could  evince  it  in 
BO  way  to  satisfactorily,  as    y  assenting  as  he  most 


LIFB    OP    GEN  en  A  L    IACR80N.  821 

freely  did,  to  the  decision  v^hich  had  been  pro- 
nounced against  him  ;  "  thai  L.e  civil  was  the  para- 
mount  and  supreme  authority  of  the  land.     He  had 
never  pretended  to  any  thing  eloe,  nor  advocated  a 
different  doctrine.     He  had  departed  from  its  rules, 
because  that  they  were  too  feeble  for  the  state  of 
the  fimes.     By  a  resort  to  martial  law,  he  had  suc- 
ceeded in  defending  and  protecting  a  country,  which, 
without  it,  must  have  been  lost;  yet  under  its  provi- 
sions he  had  oppressed  no  one,  nor  extendea  them  to 
any  other  purpose  than  defence  and  safety ;  objects 
which  its  declaration  was  intended  alone  to  effect" 
**I  feel,"  continued  he,  "sensible  for  those  marks 
of  personal  regard,  which  you  have  evinced  towards 
me  ;  and  with  pleasure  remember  those  high  efforts 
of  valour  and  patriotism,  which  so  essentially  con- 
tnbaied  to  the  defence  of  the  country.     If  recent 
events  have  shown  you  what  fearless  valour  can  ef- 
fect, it  is  a  no  less  important  truth  to  learn,  that 
submission  to  the  civil  authority  is  the  first  duty  of 
a  citizen." 

Being  at  length  relieved  from  this  warm  display 
of  regard  manifested  towards  him  for  the  exertions 
he  had  made  in  their  defence,  Jackson  retired  to 
his  quarters,  and,  giving  a  check  to  his  aid-de-carap 
sent  him  to  discharge  the  fine  imposed,  and  to  ter- 
minate his  contest  with  the  civil  authority.  He  was 
greatly  consoled  at  learning,  through  various  re- 
spectable channels,  that  all  was  tranquil,  and  that 
against  the  judge  nothing  of  indignity  or  unkind 
ness  was  longer  meditated. 

So  riveted  was  the  impression,  that  the  courst 
pursued  by  the  general  was  correct,  and  the  con- 
duct of  Judge  Hall  more  the  result  of  spleen  than 
any  thing  else,  that  the  citizens  of  New  Orleaai 


tSS  Un   OP   OBNEBAL   JACKeOM 

determined  to  ward  off  the  effect  of  liis  intended 
injury,  by  discharging  themaelves  the  fine  impoaed. 
It  was  only  necessary  to  be  thought  of,  and  it  was 
done.  So  numerous  were  the  persons  entertain- 
ing the  game  feelings  on  the  subject,  that  in  a  short 
time  the  entire  sum  was  raised  by  voluntary  con- 
tribution. The  general,  understanding  what  was  in 
agitation,  to  spare  his  own  and  their  feelings,  had 
despatched  his  aid-de-camp  to  seek  the  marshal, 
and  thereby  avoided  the  necessity  of  refusing  a 
favour  intended  to  be  offered,  and  which  he  could 
not  have  accepted.  Without,  however,  any  knowl- 
edge of  his  wishes,  or  consulting  at  all  his  feelings 
on  the  subject,  they  proceeded  in  the  arrangement, 
and,  by  subscription,  the  entire  amount  waa  in  a 
short  time  raised,  and  deposited  to  his  use  in  the  bank, 
and  notice  thereof  given.  But  it  waa  not  accept- 
ed ;  though  refused  in  a  manner  the  most  delicate. 
In  reply,  he  declared  'the  obligations  felt  for  this  re- 
newed evidence  of  regard  ;  and,  although  he  could 
not  accept  of  it,  yet,  as  it  was  the  result  of  the  most 
generous  feeling,  he  solicited  that  the  amount  might 
be  applied  to  the  relief  of  those  whose  relatives 
had  fallen  in  battle.  The  proposition  was  acceded 
to,  and  the  amount  subscribed  expressly  for  his  re 
lief  was  disposed  of  for  the  benefit  of  the  widow 
and  the  fatherless. 

Jackson  once,  concerning  the  declaration  of  mar- 
tial law,  expressed  himself  after  the  following  man- 
ner ;  "  I  very  well  knew  the  extent  of  my  powers, 
and  that  it  was  far  short  of  that  which  necessity 
and  my  situation  required.  I  determined,  therefore, 
to  venture  boldly  forth,  and  pursue  a  course  corre- 
fpondent  to  the  difficulties  that  pressed  upon  me. 
I  bad  ED  anxious  solicitude  to  wipe  off  the  atiymft 


UPB    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON  828 

wast  upon  my  country  by  the  destruction  of  the  cap- 
ital. If  New  Orleans  were  taken,  I  well  knew  thai 
new  difficulties  would  arise,  and  every  effort  be  made 
to  retain  it ;  and  that,  if  regained,  blood  and  trea^ 
are  would  be  the  sacrifice.  My  determination, 
therefore,  was  formed,  not  to  halt  at  trifles,  but  to 
lose  the  city  only  at  the  boldest  sacrifice,  and  to 
omit  nothing  that  could  assure  success.  I  was  wel) 
aware  that  calculating  politicians,  ignorant  of  the 
difficulties  that  surrounded  me,  would  condemn  my 
course  ;  but  this  was  not  material.  What  became 
of  me  was  of  no  consequence.  If  disaster  did 
come,  I  expected  not  to  survive  it ;  but,  if  a  successful 
defence  could  be  made,  I  felt  assured  that  my  coun- 
try, in  the  objects  attained,  would  lose  sight  of,  and 
forget  the  means  that  had  been  employed." 

The  war  being  now  ended,  it  was  necessary  to 
relieve  from  the  toils  of  the  field  those  brave  men, 
who  had  so  long  been  struggling  in  their  country's 
defence.  The  necessary  measures  to  effect  this 
were  adopted.  The  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and 
Mississippi  troops  had  taken  their  departure.  Gen- 
eral Gaines  being  invested  with  the  command,  in  a 
few  days  General  Jackson  left  New  Orleans  for 
Nashville.  The  good  wishes  and  friendship  of  the 
people  followed  him :  there  were  a  few,  however, 
who  rejoiced  at  his  departure  ;  but  tliev  v-jre  those 
who,  in  moments  of  peril,  had  stood  aloof  from 
danger,  or  sought  to  increase  it,  and  who,  in  the  re- 
proaches to  be  cast  upon  him,  expected  to  palliate 
their  own  misdeeds.  Pre\iously  to  breaking  up 
his  encampment,  he  addressed  his  army,  and  de- 
clared the  high  sense  he  entertained  of  those  valiant 
men,  who,  with  him,  had  toiled  in  the  field,  and,  by 
perseverance    and    fidelity,    had    obtained   lafclv 


SS4  UFB    OF    OBNBRAL   JACKSON. 

for  their  country,  a  id  distinguished  honour  (or  them 
selves. 

On  bis  return,  the  respect  of  all  was  manifested 
in  his  behalf:  all  evinced  a  partiality  for  the  man, 
whose  signal  achievements  had  raised  his  country 
to  a  high  and  dignified  standing,  and  whose  unre- 
mitting exertions  had  closed  the  war  with  a  lustra 
that  enlightened  even  the  blots  of  its  commencement 

The  annunciation  of  the  triumphant  defence  of 
New  Orleans  was,  in  every  section  of  the  country, 
hailed  with  acclamation  ;  illuminations  and  filtes 
followed  it  into  aU  our  cities  and  principal  towns  ; 
and  in  all  was  it  agreed,  that  none  other  than  the 
decided  course  adopted  by  Jackson  could  have  at- 
tained so  auspicious  a  result.  The  legislatures  of 
many  of  the  states  voted  to  him  their  thanks  for 
what  he  had  done.  The  congress  of  the  United 
States  did  the  same,.and  directed  a  gold  medal  to  be 
presented  to  him,  commemorative  of  the  event  Ad- 
dresses from  numerous  societies  and  meetings  of  the 
people  were  forwarded,  expressive  of  their  great 
regard,  and  proclaiming  him  the  deliverer  and  sec- 
ond saviour  of  his  country. 

A  tedious  journey  of  eight  hundred  miles  brought 
him  to  Nashville,  where  he  was  gratified  with  a  mani 
festation  of  the  regard  of  his  fellow  townsmen.  An 
immense  concourse  was  collected,  to  welcome  his 
arrival.  They  had  long  known  him  as  among  the 
number  of  their  best  and  most  respectable  citizens  ; 
but  curiosity  had  a  new  incentive :  until  now,  they 
had  not  beheld  him  as  one,  who,  to  protect  his  coun- 
try, knew  no  difficulty  too  great  to  be  encountered — 
who,  by  his  firmness  and  unconquerable  perseve- 
rance, amidst  surrounding  dangers,  had  saved  her 
(rota  foreign  and  intestine  foes.     An  addresf*  deliv 


idwm  or  obneral  jackson.  SfA 

ered  at  the  court-room,  in  behalf  of  the  citizens, 
welcomed  his  return.  Relieved  from  this  further 
display  of  public  confidence,  the  more  gratefuljTje- 
cause  from  those  who  were  his  acquaintances,  neigh- 
bours, and  friends,  he  retired  home,  to  repair  a  bro- 
Ken  constitution,  and  to  enjoy  that  repose,  to  which, 
for  eighteen  months,  he  had  been  a  stranger. 

Early  in  the  congressional  session  of  1820,  sev- 
eral propositions  were  made  for  the  reduction  of 
the  army,  which,  however,  were  not  decided  upon. 
On  the  9th  of  January,  1821,  the  subject  was  again 
revived ;  and  on  the  5th  of  March,  following,  by 
an  act  of  congress,  approved  by  the  president,  the 
reduction  was  effected.  By  this  law,  only  one  ma- 
jor-general was  retained,  and,  as  General  Jackson 
was  not  the  senior  commissioned  general,  his  com- 
mission was  annulled,  and  by  courtesy  his  senior 
was  retained.  All  commissioned  officers  were  al- 
lowed three  months'  pay,  after  their  commissions 
were  returned.  Previous  to  this,  as  early  as  the 
preceding  January,  the  news  of  the  ratification  of 
the  Florida  treaty,  by  the  Spanish  cortes,  had  been 
received.  On  the  3d  of  January,  Mr.  Stanbury, 
tJie  diplomatic  agent,  arrived  at  Philadelphia,  in  the 
Pleiades,  with  an  authenticated  copy  of  the  treaty, 
for  the  re-ratification  of  the  senate,  which  had  become 
necessary,  as  the  time  allowed  to  Spain  to  signify 
her  acceptance  of  the  instrument  had  expired  be- 
fore this  acceptance  was  declared.  The  senate,  on 
the  9th  of  February,  1821,  considered  the  subject, 
and  gave  their  sanction  anew  to  the  instrument,  which 
waa  finally  confirmed  on  the  22d.  By  this  advan- 
tageous treaty.  East  and  West  Florida  were  ceded 
to  the  United  States,  and  provision  made  for  indem 
uifying  American  citi/ens  for  Spanish  spoliatiom 


tS#  idrm  OP  gkneral  iacksom. 

by  pajring  five  millions  of  dollars,  the  amount  agreed 
upon  aB  the  purchase  money,  directly  to  the  claim 
antfl. 

On  the  1st  of  March,  1821,  a  bill  passed,  autho 
rizing  the  president  to  take  possession  of  the  newly 
acquired  territory.  Three  days  after  this,  March  5tii 
Mr.  Monroe  was  sworn  to  his  second  terra  of  office, 
and  one  of  the  earliest  and  most  important  du- 
ties that  devolved  upon  him  was  the  appointment  of 
a  person  suitably  qualified  to  take  possession  of  the 
Floridas.     Various  conjectures  were  abroad,  in  re- 
lation to  the  individual   upon   whom  this  honour 
would  be  conferred.     Mr.  Monroe  very  judiciously 
fixed  his  eye  on  the  man  whose  patriotic  exertions 
had  been  so  instrumental  in  bringing  the  war  in 
that  very  region  to  a  successful  termination.     On 
the  15th  of  March,  therefore.  General  Jackson's 
appointment,  as  governor  of  the  Floridas,  with  a 
salary  of  five  thousand  dollars  a  year,  was  official 
ly  announced. 

Soon  after  being  notified  of  his  appointment,  he 
conmienced  his  journey  towards  his  place  of  desti- 
nation. 

On  the  23d  of  April,  he  left  New  Orleans  for 
Pensacola,  having  received  the  greatest  attention 
from  the  municipal  authorities  in  the  very  theatre  of 
his  former  warlike  exploits.  The  hospitality  of 
individuals,  and  the  general  expression  of  the  peo- 
ple of  New  Orleans,  were  calculated  to  call  forth 
the  liveliest  feelings  of  gratitude. 

There  was  considerable  delay,  on  the  part  of  the 
Spanish  authorities,  in  delivering  up  the  territories. 
This  resulted  from  their  prejudices  against  the 
United  States,  and  their  disapprobation  of  the  trea- 
ty requiring  the  transfer. 


UFI    or   GENERAL   JACKSON.  8S7 

On  the  7th  of  July,  1821,  Goveraor  Croppinger, 
^7  proclamation,  formally  delivered  East  Florida  to 
Colwicl  Robert  Butler,  the  properly  authorized  com- 
mloBioner.  General  Jackson,  though  not  present, 
WM  in  the  vicinity,  making  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments for  the  government  of  both.  Ten  days  af- 
ter this,  July  17th,  West  Florida  was  delivered  to 
Governor  Jackson  in  due  form.  Thus  the  whole  of 
tlie  newly-acquired  territory  was  placed  under  his 
control  as  governor-general.  When  the  proper 
course  had  been  adopted  for  the  happiness  of  all  class- 
es, he  issued  a  proclamation  of  a  paternal  character, 
defining  the  policy  of  the  government,  and  pointing 
out  the  duties  of  the  people  m  their  new  relation. 

After  the  satisfactory  termination  of  the  great 
business  of  receiving  the  Floridas,  he  made  an  ex- 
cursion to  New  Orleans,  and,  on  the  11th  of  Au- 
gust, delivered  a  valedictory  address  to  the  re- 
mainder of  the  conquering  army,  then  on  the  point 
of  being  disbanded.  In  this  speech,  which  breath- 
ed the  sentiments  of  affectionate  regard  towards 
those  brave  men,  who  had  aided  him  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  80  many  perilous  undertakings,  for 
the  glory  and  honour  of  their  country,  he  made 
known  that  his  career,  as  commander  in  chief  of 
the  southern  division  of  the  American  army,  was 
then  terminated.  Again  we  find  him,  at  the  close 
of  August,  at  St.  Augustine.  On  the  1st  day  of 
September,  Governor  Jarkson  promulgated  the 
names  of  those  whom  he  hnd  appointed  for  the  civil 
government  of  East  Florida.  There  was  much 
contention,  about  this  time,  relative  to  the  Spanish 
archives,  which  resulted  in  some  unpleasant  personal 
feelings  between  the  governor  and  Judge  Froraentin, 
Ui'gent  measures,  on  the  part  of  Governor  Jackson^ 
28 


328  UFS  or  genbral  jackson^ 

were  highly  necessary,  and  hence  he  issued  a  proc- 
lamation,  which  obliged  the  Spanish  officers  to  leave 
the  territories  at  a  specified  period.  Against  this 
Governor  Croppinger,  together  with  the  offended 
officers,  made  a  remonstrance.  Croppinger,  partic- 
ularly, protested  against  the  seizure  of  the  public 
papers,  &c.  The  details  of  this  occurrence  our 
limits  will  not  permit  us  to  narrate.  It  is  certain, 
however,  that  there  were  intriguers  in  the  territo- 
ries, and  various  misrepresentations,  touching  the 
administration  of  the  newly-formed  government, 
which,  probably,  induced  Governor  Jackson  to  re- 
sign a  power,  which  could  not  contribute  to  his 
own  happiness,  or  increase  his  sphere  of  useful- 
ness. 

On  the  8th  of  September,  Goverr.or  Jackson, 
then  at  Pensacola,  made  known  his  intention  of  vis- 
iting Tennessee  with  his  family.  This  was  no 
sooner  understood,  than  he  was  invited  to  a  pub- 
lic dinner  by  the  inhabitants.  On  that  occasion, 
every  demonstration  of  respect  was  shown  to  the 
distinguished  and  successful  warrior.  To  the  sur- 
prise and  regret  of  an  increasing  circle  of  friends^ 
who  knew  how  to  appreciate  his  talents,  he  made  a 
farewell  address  to  the  people  of  the  Floridas.  In 
the  course  of  his  speech,  he  remarked  that  he 
should  not  return  again,  unless  some  unexpected 
event  should  render  it  necessary. 

Soon  after  the  meeting  of  the  seventeenth  con- 
gress, on  the  29th  of  the  following  December,Crover- 
nor  Jackson,  having  discharged  with  fidelity  and  suc- 
cess the  duties  of  his  appointment,  tendered  to  the 
president  his  resignation. 

Scarcely  thirty  days  had  elapsed  from  the  time  of 
his  resignation  of  the  government  of  the  Floridas, 


U/<   OF  GKNSRAL    JAC&AON.  829 

beA>re  he  wu  honoured  by  Mr.  Monroe  with  an- 
other  appointment  of  higher  political  consequence. 
January  23d,  1823,  General  Jackson  was  appointed 
envoy  eitraordinary  and  miniBter  plenipotentiary  to 
the  government  of  Mexico.  As  an  evidence  that 
he  had  no  knowledge  of  the  intentions  of  the  ex- 
ecutive, we  find,  on  the  let  of  the  following  March, 
in  a  respectful  manner,  he  declined  the  offered 
mission.  It  has  been  generally  understood  that 
tliis  was  in  consequence  of  the  unsettled  and  dis- 
tracted state  of  Mexico,  then  under  the  control  of 
Iturbide,  who  had  declared  himself  emperor.  The 
true  motive,  however,  for  declining  tlie  proffered 
honour,  is  to  be  found  in  the  general's  own  words  : 
**  From  the  present  revolutionary  state  of  Mexico, 
the  appearance  of  an  American  envoy,  with  cre- 
dentials to  the  tyrant  Iturbide,  might  add  to  hifl 
strength,  and  thereby  aid  him  in  riveting  the  chains 
of  despotism  upon  that  country,  which  of  right 
ought  to  be  free.  To  be  the  instrument  of  tyrannyy 
however  innocent  on  my  part,  I  could  not  recon- 
cile to  my  feelings.  With  these  views,  and  other  rea- 
sons, which  I  have  communicated  to  Mr.  Monroe,  I 
have  declined  accepting  the  mission  to  Mexico." 
But  a  short  time  after,  May  13th,  the  Mexican  em- 
peror abdicated  his  throne,  and  made  the  best  of 
his  way  from  a  country,  which  he  had  brought  to 
the  verge  of  ruin. 

General  Jackson  now  retired  to  the  quietude  of 
private  life,  and,  in  the  circle  of  his  own  family, 
sought  that  rest  from  the  fatigues  and  countleoi 
anxieties  of  a  military  life,  which  his  exhausted 
frame  and  spirits  so  obviously  required.  The  con- 
fidence, however,  which  the  citizens  of  Tennessee 
Aad  in  his  talents  and  wisdom,  was  again  manifeslf 


MC      UPl  OP  OKNERAL  lACKSON. 

•d  ia  eleeting  him  a  senator  to  the  eighteentk  30B- 
gresi,  which  assembled  in  December,  1823  and 
once  more  he  resigned  the  endearments  of  home  to 
mingle  in  the  councils  of  the  nation.  On  his  route 
from  Nashville  to  Washington,  he  was  greeted  by 
the  most  enthusiastic  applause.  The  citizens  of 
Knoxville,  in  a  special  manner,  honoured  their  eel 
ebrated  guest  with  a  public  dinner,  and  exhibited, 
in  the  strongest  language,  and  in  the  most  unequiv- 
ocal hospitality ,that  they  considered  him  a  man  of  ex- 
traordinary talents,  whose  past  services  entitled  him 
to  the  admiration  and  confidence  of  his  country. 

During  the  session  of  congress,  he  entered  with 
spirited  interest  into  the  general  business  of  the 
nation,  and  was  frequently  on  some  of  the  most  im- 
portant committees.  As  indefatigable  in  the  sen- 
ate as  in  military  command,  he  found  that  such  un- 
remitted attention  to  public  affairs,  as  his  duty  re- 
quired, to  sustain  the  dignity  of  the  station,  waa  al- 
together too  severe  for  the  delicate  state  of  hi*, 
health.  The  political  horizon,  also,  now  began  to 
present  a  different  aspect,  and  the  circumstance  of 
his  being  a  candidate  for  the  presidential  chair, 
without  doubt,  influenced  him,  to  a  considerable  ex- 
tent, in  resigning  his  seat  in  the  senate.  Soon  af- 
ter the  close  of  the  session,  he  made  known  to  his 
constituents  the  determination,  and,  in  a  few  weeks, 
it  was  announced,  to  the  sincere  regret  of  all  who 
knew  the  integrity  of  his  character. 

In  the  person  of  General  Jackson  is  perceived 
nothing  of  the  robust  or  elegant.  He  is  six  feet 
and  an  inch  high,  remarkably  straight  and  spare, 
and  weighs  not  more  than  a  hundred  and  forty-five 
pounds.  His  conformation  appears  to  disqualify 
hun  for  hardship ;  yet,  accustomed  to  it  from  early 


L1F«    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  381 

life,  few  are  capable  of  enduring   fatigue  to  the 
game  extent,  or  with  less  injury.     His  dark  blue 
eyes,  with  brows  arched  and   slightly  projecting, 
possess  a  marked  expression     .  at  when,  from  any 
cause,  excited,  they  sparkle  with  peculiar  lustre  and 
penetration.     In  his  manners  he  is  pleasing — in  his 
address  commanding  ;  while  his  countenance,  mark- 
ed with  firmness  and  decision,  beams  with  a  strength 
and  intelligence  that  strikes  at  first  sight.      In  Iiis 
deportment  there  is  nothing  repulsive.     Easy,  af- 
fable, and  familiar,  he  is  accessible  to  all.     Influ- 
enced by  the  belief,  that  merit  should  constitute  the 
only  difference  m  men,  his  attention  is  equally  be- 
stowed on  honest  poverty  as  on  titled  consequence. 
No  man,  however  inconsiderable  his  standing,  ever 
approached  hun  on  business,  that  he  did  not  patient- 
ly listen  to  his  story,  and  afford  hun  all  the  informa- 
tion in  his  power.     His  moral  character  is  without 
reproach,  and  by  those  who  know  him  most  inti- 
mately he  IB  most  esteemed.     Benevolence  in  him 
is  a  prominent  virtue.     He  was  never  known  to  pass 
distress  without  seeking  to  assist  and  to  relieve  it 
It  is  unputed  to  him,  that  he  derives  from  his 
birth  a  temper  irritable  and  hasty,  which  has  had 
the  effect  to  create  enemies,  and  involve  him  in  dis- 
putes.    In  Jackson,  however,  these  defects  of  cliar- 
acter  exist  to  an  extent  as  limited  as  with  most 
men ;  and  the  world  is  in  error  in  prep^^ming  him  un- 
der a  too  high  control  of  feeling  and  passion.     A  fix- 
ed devotion  to  those  principles  which  honour  sanc- 
tions, renders   him   scrupulously    attentive  to  his 
promises  and  engagements  of  every  description 
Preserving  system  in  his  moneyed  transactions,  hia 
fiscal  arrangements  are  made  to  correspond  with 
hia  resources,  and  hence  his  every  enga^^ement  in 
28* 


t&2  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   lACKflON. 

relation  to  such  subjects  is  met  with  marked  punc- 
tuality,  not  for  the  reason  that  he  is  a  man  of  ex- 
traordinary wealth,  but  rather  because  he  has  meth- 
od, and  witli  a  view  to  his  resources,  regulates 
properly  his  balance  of  trade. 

No  man  has  been  more  misconceived  in  charac 
ter.  Many,  on  becoming  acquainted  with  him,  have 
been  heard  to  admit  the  previous  opinions  whicli 
they  had  entertained,  and  how  great  liad  been  their 
mistake.  Rough  in  appearance,  positive  and  over- 
bearing in  his  manner,  aie  what  all,  upon  a  first  in- 
troduction, expect  to  find ;  and  yet  none  are  pos 
sessed  of  milder  manners,  or  of  more  conciliating 
address.  The  public  situations  in  which  he  haa 
been  placed,  and  tlie  circumstances  which  surround- 
ed him,  are  doubtless  the  cause  that  those  opimons 
have  become  so  prevalent ;  but  they  are  opinions 
which  an  acquamtance  witii  hhn  tends  to  remove 
The  diificulties  under  which  he  laboured  at  New  Or- 
leans were  such  as  might  well  have  perplexed,  and 
tiirown  the  mind  aside  from  every  thing  of  mildness. 

Light  and  trifLiig  pleasantries  often  mark  char- 
acter as  distinctly  as  things  of  consequence.  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  one  day  during  the  siege  of  New  Or- 
leans, was  approached  by  an  officer  of  the  militia, 
who  stated  his  desire  to  leave  the  service,  and  re- 
turn home  ;  for  that  he  was  made  game  of,  and 
called  by  the  company  Pewter  Foot.  He  manifest- 
ed great  concern,  and  an  anxious  desire  to  be  re- 
lieved from  his  impleasanL  situation.  The  general, 
with  aiuch  apparent  sympatliy  for  him,  replied,  that 
he  had  ascertained  there  was  a  practice  in  the  camp 
of  giving  nick-names  ;  and  had  understood,  too, 
that  very  many  had  dared  to  call  him  Old  Hickory: 
'Now,"  said  he,  "if  you  prefer  mine,  I  am  willing 


UFB    OF   GENBRAL   JACKSON.  889 

to  exchange ;  if  not,  re  nain  contented,  and  perform 
your  duty  faithfully,  and,  as  soon  as  we  can  get  clear 
of  those  troublesome  British,  our  wrongs  shall  be 
inquired  into  by  a  court-martial,  and  the  authors 
punished  ;  for  then,  and  not  till  then,  shall  we  have 
an  end  of  those  insults."  The  effect  was  happy, 
and  induced  the  complaining  officer  to  retire,  per- 
fectly satisfied  to  learn,  that  his  grievance  would 
be  united  with  the  general's,  and  both  ere  long  be 
effectually  redressed 

General  Jackson  possesses  ambition,  but  it  rests 
on  virtue ;  an  ambition,  which,  regulated  by  a  liigh 
sense  of  honourable  feeling,  leads  him  to  desire 
**  that  applause  which  follows  good  actions — not 
that  which  is  run  afler."  No  man  is  more  ready  to 
hear  and  to  respect  the  opinions  of  others,  and  none, 
where  much  is  at  stake,  and  at  conflict  with  his 
own,  less  disposed  to  be  under  their  influence. 
He  has  never  been  known  to  call  a  council  of  war, 
whose  decisions,  when  made,  were  to  shield  him 
from  responsibility  or  censure.  His  council  of  war, 
if  doubting  himself,  was  a  few  officers,  in  whom  he 
fully  confided,  whose  advice  was  regarded,  if  their 
reasons  were  conclusive  ;  but,  these  not  being  satis- 
factory, he  at  once  adopted  and  pursued  the  course 
suggested  by  his  ow  i  mind. 

At  the  battle  of  Tohopeka,  an  infant  waa  found 
piessed  to  the  bosom  of  its  lifeless  mother.  This 
circumstance  being  made  known  to  General  Jack- 
son, he  became  interested  for  the  child,  directed  it 
to  be  brought  to  hi  i,  and  sought  to  prevail  on  some 
of  the  Indian  women  to  take  care  of  and  rear  it 
They  signified  their  unwillingness  to  do  so,  staling 
that,  inasmuch  as  all  its  relations  had  fallen  in  bat- 
tle, they  thought  it  best  it  should  bo  killed.     Thfl 


834  LIFE  OF  GENERAL  JACSBON. 

General,  after  this  disclosure,  determined  he  ^ould 
not  intrust  it  with  them,  but  became  himself  the 
protector  of  the  child.  Bestowing  on  the  infant 
the  name  of  Lincoier,  he  adopted  it  into  his  family, 
and  has  ever  since  manifested  the  liveliest  zeal  to- 
waras  it,  prompted  by  benevolence,  and  because, 
perhaps,  its  fate  bore  a  strong  resemblance  to  his 
own,  who,  in  early  life,  and  from  the  ravages  of  war, 
was  left  in  the  world  forlorn  and  wretched,  without 
friends  to  assist,  or  near  relations  to  direct  him  on 
his  course. 


CONCLUSION. 


We  have  said  before  that  one  of  the  reasons  that 
induced  General  J&ckson  to  resign  his  seat  in  the 
Senate  was  the  circumstance  of  being  a  candidate 
for  the  Presidential  chair.  As  long  as  he  remained 
in  the  military  service  of  his  country,  little  was  ever 
said  about  bringing  him  out  for  the  presidency.  It 
was  only  after  he  had  become  a  private  citizen  that 
the  eyes  of  his  fellow-countrymen  were  turned 
towards  him,  as  having  eminently  entitled  himself, 
by  his  brilliant  and  patriotic  services,  to  the  highest 
honors  within  the  gift  of  a  free  and  enlightened  peo- 
ple. His  friends  in  Tennessee  first,  in  good  earnest, 
took  the  necessary  steps  to  place  his  name  promi- 
nently before  the  country.  It  is  true  that  some 
four  or  five  candidates  were  already  in  the  field; 
but  so  confident  were  they  of  General  Jackson's 
strength  and  popularity  with  the  people,  on  account 
of  his  great  public  services,  that  they  entertained 


LIFE  OP  OKNEBAL  JAOKflOW.  tM$ 

no  fears  for  the  result.  On  July  20, 1822,  the  Stat© 
Legislature  adopted  a  preamble  and  resolutions 
which  placed  the  General  before  the  country  as  a 
legitimate  candidate  for  the  presidency,  and  from 
this  moment  his  friends  in  every  section  of  the 
Union  entered  into  the  contest  with  increased 
vigor  and  energy. 

Our  space  does  not  permit  us  to  here  give  any 
detailed  account  of  the  spirited  and  exciting  con- 
test which  took  place  during  this  campaign,  which 
resulted,  after  all,  in  there  being  no  election,  An- 
drew Jackson  having  received  a  plurality,  but  not 
a  majority,  of  the  votes  cast.  The  vote  stood  as 
follows:  Wm.  H.  Crawford,  41 ;  Henry  Clay,  37; 
Mr.  Adams,  84 ;  Andrew  Jackson,  99. 

The  people,  therefore,  having  failed  to  elect  a 
President,  it  devolved  upon  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, voting  by  States,  each  State  having  one  TOte, 
to  elect  one  from  the  three  candidates  who  had 
received  the  highest  number  of  electoral  votes. 
The  great  question  was  decided  on  the  9th  of 
February,  1825.  A  long  contest  had  been  ex- 
pected, and  the  friends  of  Crawford  were  present 
in  great  force,  hoping  that  the  House,  after  weary- 
ing itself  by  repeated  ballots,  would  turn  to  their 
candidate  and  end  the  affair  by  giving  him  the 
election. 

The  result,  when  announced  by  the  tellers,  sur- 
prised almost  every  one;  surprised  many  of  the 
best-informed  politicians  who  heard  it.  Upon  the 
first  ballot  Mr.  Adams  received  the  vote  of  thirteen 
States,  which  was  a  majority.  Crawford  received 
the  vote  of  four  States,  and  General  Jackson,  for 
whom  eleven  States  had  given  an  electoral  major- 


W  XJIS  07  GUnULLL  JAOKMOM, 

itjf  receired  the  vote  of  but  seven  St&tet  la  tkt 
House. 

That  General  Jackson  was  not  only  disappomted 
at  the  result,  but  indignant,  is  well  known ;  but  he 
loftily  acquiesced  in  his  defeat,  and  was  prominent 
among  the  congratulatory  throng  on  the  occasion 
of  the  inauguration  of  the  new  President.  A  few 
days  afterwards  General  Jackson  returned  to  his 
home,  and  was  welcomed  by  his  native  State  as 
conquerors  are  welcomed. 

From  the  moment  that  the  result  of  the  election 
in  the  House  of  Representatives  was  known,  the 
Jackson  party  resolved  to  make  General  Jackson 
a  candidate  for  renomination  for  1829.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1825,  only  seven  months  after  the  inaugura- 
tion, the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  passed  a  resolu- 
tion "recommending  him  to  the  freemen  of  the 
United  States,  to  be  elected  to  the  office  of  the 
Chief  Magistrate  of  this  Union,  at  the  next  Presi- 
dential election."  In  May,  1826,  the  nomination 
was  indorsed  by  an  immense  public  meeting  in 
Philadelphia,  and  in  November  of  the  same  year 
a  powerful  movement  in  his  behalf  was  begun  in 
Georgia.  Long  before  the  usual  time  of  beginning 
the  quadrennial  agitation,  he  was  placed  before  the 
people  in  most  of  the  States  as  the  candidate  for 
the  presidency,  in  opposition  to  the  re-election  of 
Mr.  Adams. 

During  the  next  three  years  General  Jackson, 
who  had  resigned  his  seat  in  the  Senate  of  the 
United  States,  was  the  central  figure  in  an  extra- 
ordinary number  of  receptions  and  public  dinners. 
He  could  hardly  stir  abroad  without  finding  a 
committee  lying  in  wait  for  him,  who  would  take 


£IFB  OF  OEKElLiL  JAOKIOir.  |87 

possession  of  him  bodily,  convey  him  to  some 

public  hall,  and  get  him  to  make  a  speech. 

We  must  now  go  back  a  little  to  touch  briefly 
upon  the  reasons  that  had  induced  General  Jack- 
son to  leave  Washington  after  the  election  in  the 
House  of  Representatives,  which  had  ended  so  dis- 
astrously for  his  expectations.     It  was  well  known 
that  the  infuence  of  Henry  Clay,  which  he  wielded 
in  the  House,  derived  from  his  long  connection 
with  it,  from  his  winning  cast  of  character,  from 
his  strenuous  will,  and  his  eloquence,  placed  it  in 
his  power  to  give  the  election  to  whichever  of  the 
candidates  he  preferred.    Mr.  Clay  was  not  on 
cordial  terms  with  either  of  the  two  highest  candi- 
dates.   The  considerations  that  ought  to  have  in- 
fluenced his  decision  should  have  been    purely 
founded  on  the  principles  of  his  party  and  of  the 
Constitution,  and  not  on  the  comparative  fitness 
of  the  candidates.    The  one  that  had  come  nearest 
to  an  election  by  the  people  was  obviously  the  one 
for  whom  a  truly  Democratic  member  of  Congress 
would  have  given  his  vote.  ■  This  republic  was  set 
up  on  a  certain  principle,  and  the  spirit  of  that 
principle  required  that  Andrew  Jackson  should 
have  been  elected  President.     The  principle  may 
be    wrong,   but  the    Republican    party  obtained 
power,  and  for  twenty-five  years  retained  the  su- 
premacy, because  it  thought  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciple of  the  government  right,  feasible,  and  safe. 
But  Mr.  Clay  did  not  think  so.     Though  he  ac- 
knowledged that  "he  would  never  have  selected 
Mr.  Adams,  if  he  had  been  at  liberty  to  draw  from 
the  whole  mass  of  our  citizens  for  a  President,"  he 
declared  to  confidential  friends,  before  the  result 


88S  urm  or  oekek^il  jagkbov. 

of  the  popular  election  was  known,  that  under  no 
circumstances  whatever  would  he  vote  for  General 
Jackson.     The  appointment  of  Mr.  Clay  as  Secre- 
tary of  State,  after  his  inauguration,  at  once  raised 
the  suspicion  that  there  had  been  a  corrupt  under- 
standing between  Mr.  Clay  and  Mr.  Adams,  to  the 
eflfect  that  Clay  should  make  Adams  President  on 
condition  that  Adams  should  appoint  Clay  Secre- 
tary of  State.     General  Jackson,  whose  failing  it 
was  to  be  always  too  prone  to  believe  evil  of  those 
who  opposed  him,  was  fully  convinced  that  this 
was  true,  and  this  "  bargain  and  corruption  cry " 
was  the  most  telling  card  of  the  Jackson  party  in 
the  campaign  of  1828.     And  they  kept  it  ringing, 
too.     Yet  no  cry  however  telling,  no  enthusiasm 
however  wild  and  general,  ever  carried  a  presiden- 
tial election,  nor  ever  will.    The  union  of  a  power- 
ful Southern  interest  with  a  respectable  Northern 
one,  or  vice  versa,  has  always  been  deemed  essential 
to  success  by  knowing  poliiicians.     General  Jack- 
son, as  a  candidate  for  the  presidency,  was  nothing, 
in  1824,  till  Pennsylvania  took  him,  and  he  would 
have  been  elected  then,  if  New  York  had  only 
joined  Pennsylvania.     It  was  now  necessary  to  get 
New  York  into  line  for  the  campaign  of  1828. 

Martin  Van  Buren  was  the  man  on  whom  the 
question  of  securing  New  York  rested.  He  was  a 
Senator  of  the  United  States,  and  was  elected  to  a 
second  term,  in  1827,  by  a  large  majority.  The 
sudden  death  of  Governor  Clinton,  in  1828,  re- 
moved from  the  scene  the  only  man  in  New  York 
that  could  be  considered  Mr.  Van  Buren's  com- 
petitor, and  left  him  undisputed  master  of  the  sit- 
uation. 


Lon  OT  •xiirsmi.L  jxckmv.  899 

Mr.  Van  Buren  had  early  taken  sides  against  the 
administration  of  Mr.  Adams,  and  maintained  the 
attitude  of  opposition  to  the  end.  This,  of  course, 
involved  the  support  of  General  Jackson  in  1828, 
for  there  was  no  other  man  in  the  country  who  had 
the  remotest  chance  of  carrying  the  day  against  the 
administration. 

The  resolution  of  Mr.  Van  Buren  to  support  Gen- 
eral Jackson  was  formed,  it  is  said,  as  early  as  the 
year  1825 ;  but  he  kept  that  resolution  to  himself, 
and  enjoined  the  same  reticence  upon  his  confi- 
dants. After  the  re-election  of  Mr.  Van  Buren  to 
the  United  States  Senate,  more  freedom  was  tol- 
erated in  the  expression  of  opinions  favorable  to 
Jackson  and  adverse  to  Adams ;  but  it  was  not 
until  late  in  1827  that  the  Democratic  party  came 
out  plainly  for  General  Jackson.  Then  all  the 
machinery,  the  construction  of  which  had  for  two 
years  put  in  requisition  the  skill  and  ingenuity  of 
Mr.  Van  Buren  and  his  friends,  was  suddenly  put 
in  motion,  and  the  eifect  was  prodigious. 

The  friends  of  the  administration  were  not 
alarmed;  Mr.  Clay  was  not,  and  Mr.  Adams  ex- 
pected a  re-election.  The  campaign  of  1828 
opened  with  a  stunning  flourish  of  trumpets. 
Louisiana,  like  New  York,  was  a  doubtful  and 
troublesome  State.  It  was  highly  desirable  that 
its  scattering  vote  of  1824  should  be  concentrated 
in  1828,  and  this  could  only  be  managed  by  getting 
up  an  enthusiasm.  In  1827,  the  Legislature  of 
Louisiana  invited  him  to  visit  New  Orleans,  and 
unite  with  them  in  the  celebration  of  the  8th  of 
January,  1828,  on  the  scene  of  his  great  victory. 
General  Jackson  accepted,  and  his  reception  WM 
29 


MO  lilFS  OF  GEITEBAL  JACKSOV. 

the  most  stapendous  thing  of  the  kind  that  had 
ever,  up  to  that  time,  occurred  in  the  United  States. 
Delegates  of  States  as  distant  as  New  York  were 
sent  to  New  Orleans  to  swell  the  eclat  of  the  demon- 
stration. 

The  campaign  had  now  fairly  set  in.  During  the 
rest  of  the  year,  the  country  rang,  from  one  end 
to  the  other,  with  the  names  of  Jackson  and  Cal- 
houn, and  Adams  and  Rush.  The  contest  during 
this  final  year  became  chiefly  one  of  personalities. 

Against  Mr.  Adams,  every  possible  change  was 
rung  of  bargain  and  corruption.  He  was  accused 
of  federalism,  haughtiness,  selfishness,  and  extrava- 
gant expenditures.  General  Jackson  was  accused 
of  every  crime,  offence,  and  impropriety  that  man 
was  ever  known  to  be  guilty  of,  not  even  sparing 
the  peculiar  circumstances  of  his  marriage,  nor  the 
memory  of  his  mother;  then  resting  in  her  grave. 
We  have  not  space  here  to  give  any  account  of  the 
electioneering  tactics  on  both  sides;  but  the  fol- 
lowing characteristic  paragraph,  written  by  one  who 
was  then  commencing  his  literary  career,  and  who 
subsequently  became  known  far  and  wide  in  con- 
nection with  the  New  York  Herald, — James  Gordon 
Bennett, — will  give  a  good  idea  of  the  attacks  that 
were  made  on  General  Jackson. 

"  The  impotency  of  the  attacks  which  have  been 
made  on  General  Jackson  during  the  campaign 
by  the  Adams  party,  reminds  us  of  an  anecdote. 
'Mother,*  bawled  out  a  girl,  one  day,  'my  toe 
itches  1'  'Well,  scratch  it  then!'  *I  have;  but 
it  won't  stay  scratched.'  '  Mr.  Clay,  Mr.  Clay/ 
cries  out  Uncle  Toby,  'Jackson 's  a-coming — Jack- 
son'a  a  coming  I'    'Well,  then,  anti- tariff  him  in 


LUTE  or  aSlfrXBAL  JJlCKBOJS,  Wl 

the  Journal.*  *1  have;  but  he  won'i  </ay  anti- 
tariffed/  '  Mr.  Clay,  Mr.  Clay,'  bawls  out  Alder- 
man Binns,  *  the  old  farmer 's  a-coming.'  *  Well, 
then,'  says  Clay,  '  coffin-band-bill  him.'  *  I  have, 
I  have ;  but  he  won't  stay  coffin-hand-billed.'  *  Mr. 
Adams,  Mr.  Adams,'  says  John  Pleasant,  *the 
hero 's  a-coming,  actually  a-coming.'  '  Well,  then,' 
says  Mr.  Adams,  '  Burr  him,  and  traitor  him.'  *  I 
have;  but  he  won't  stay  Burred  or  traitored.'  'Mr. 
Clay,  Mr.  Clay,'  calls  out  the  full  Adams,  slander- 
ing chorus,  'we  have  called  Jackson  a  nturderer, 
an  adulterer,  a  traitor,  an  ignoramus,  a  fool,  a  pre- 
tender, and  so  forth ;  but  be  won't  stay  any  of 
these  names.'  'He  won't?'  says  Mr.  Clay;  'well, 
then,  I  sha'n't  stay  at  Washington,  that's  alll '  " 

The  result  of  the  election  was,  that  out  of  the 
two  hundred  and  sixty-one  electoral  votes  cast  in 
1828,  one  hundred  and  seventy-eight  were  given  to 
General  Jackson,  and  eighty-three  to  Mr.  Adams. 

The  people  of  Nashville,  greatly  elated  by  the 
success  of  their  General,  resolved  to  celebrate  it  by 
a  banquet,  to  come  off  on  the  23d  of  December, 
the  anniversary  of  the  Night  Battle  below  New 
Orleans.  General  Jackson  accepted  an  invitation 
to  be  present. 

But  the  banquet  never  took  place.  Mrs.  Jackson, 
whose  health  had  been  for  four  or  five  years  very 
precarious,  was  taken  suddenly  very  ill  on  the  17th 
of  December,  and  died  on  the  night  of  the  22d,  the 
day  before  the  time  appointed  for  the  banquet. 
The  sad  news  reached  Nashville  early  on  the  23d, 
when  the  committee  of  arrangements  were  busied 
with  the  preparations  for  the  General's  reception ; 
of  course,  everything  was  at  an  end  to  the  pro* 


942  LIFE  OF  OENEBAL  JACKBOH. 

posed  manifestation,  and  the  most  heartfelt  and 
general  mourning  pervaded  the  entire  community. 

General  Jackson  never  recovered  from  the  shock 
of  his  wife's  death,  and  was  never  quite  the  same 
man  afterwards.  It  subdued  his  spirit  and  cor- 
rected his  speech.  Except  on  occasions  of  ex- 
treme excitement,  few  and  far  between,  he  never 
again  used  what  is  commonly  termed  "profane 
language." 

He  was,  however,  not  allowed  much  time  for 
mourning,  for,  in  the  middle  of  January,  he 
started  for  Washington.  The  journey  was  one 
ovation  the  whole  way  through,  for  the  whole 
country  appeared  to  more  than  acquiesce  in  the 
result  of  the  election,  and  joined  in  the  cry : 
"  Hurrah  for  Jackson  !  "  The  day  of  the  inaug- 
uration was  one  of  the  brightest  and  balmiest  of 
the  spring,  and  there  had  never  been  known  to  be 
such  vast  crowds  as  were  present  on  that  memo- 
rable occasion.  Half  the  nation  seemed  to  have 
rushed  to  the  capital.  His  inaugural  address  was 
an  acceptance  of  the  leadership  of  the  party  which 
had  elected  him. 

Little  was  known  of  General  Jackson's  intentioni 
with  regard  to  Cabinet  appointments  except  by 
the  chosen  few.  In  distributing  the  six  most  im- 
portant offices,  he  assigned  two  to  the  North,  two 
to  the  West,  and  two  to  the  South.  Van  Buren,  of 
course,  was  appointed  Secretary  of  State,  resigning 
the  governorship  of  New  York,  after  holding  it 
only  seventy  days.  S.  D.  Ingham,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, Secretary  of  the  Treasury ;  John  H.  Eaton, 
Secretary  of  War ;  John  Branch,  of  North  Carolina, 
Secretary  of  the  Navy ;  John  McPherson  Berrien, 


Lin  OF  aSNEBAL  JACKSON.  843 

of  Georgia,  Attorney-General;  Wm.  T.  Barry,  of 

Kentucky,  Postmaster-General.  Such,  then,  was 
the  Cabinet  of  the  new  President.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  Mr.  Van  Buren,  its  members  had  no 
great  influence  over  the  measures  of  their  chief  and 
play  no  great  part  in  the  general  history  of  the 
times.  There  were  other  individuals  who  stood 
nearer  to  the  President  than  they  did,  and  who  ex- 
erted over  him  a  far  more  powerful  influence. 
Major  W.  B.  Lewis,  of  Nashville,  to  whom,  more 
than  to  any  other,  General  Jackson  owed  his  elec- 
tion to  the  presidency,  one  of  his  oldest  and 
stanchest  friends,  had  accompanied  the  General 
to  Washington,  and  remained  a  member  of  his 
family,  being  appointed  to  an  Auditorship  of  the 
Treasury.  General  Duff  Green,  Editor  of  the 
United  States  Telegraph,  St.  Louis ;  Editor  Isaac  Hill 
from  New  Hampshire,  and  Amos  Kendall,  late  an 
editor  of  a  Jackson  paper  in  Kentucky,  all  of  whom 
had  been  most  indefatigable  and  zealous  in  their 
support  of  General  Jackson  during  the  campaign, 
were  all  three  much  about  the  person  of  the  Presi- 
dent duriug  the  first  months  of  his  administration, 
and  were  supposed  to  have  most  of  his  confidence. 
These  four  — Lewis,  Green,  Hill,  and  Kendall  — 
were  in  consequence  stigmatized  by  the  opposition 
as  the  Kitchen  Cabinet. 

Among  the  powers  entrusted  to  the  honor  of 
President  of  the  United  States  was  the  power  of 
removing  from  office,  without  trial  or  notice,  the 
civil  employees  of  the  Government.  In  the  civil 
service  of  the  country,  every  man  holds  his  place 
at  the  will  of  the  head  of  the  Government.  The 
early  Presidents  disposed  of  the  pUcea  in  theil 
29* 


M4  Iiir>  OF  GEBEBAL  JAOKIOM. 

gift  with  a  scrupulous  conscientiousness  which  ii 
most  delightful  to  observe.  Washington  set  a 
noble  example.  During  his  administration  of 
eight  years,  he  only  removed  nine  persons  from 
office,  all  for  good  and  sufficient  cause,  with  which 
politics  had  nothing  whatever  to  do.  The  example 
of  Washington  was  followed  by  his  successors,  and 
up  to  the  hour  of  the  delivery  of  General  Jack- 
son's inaugural  address,  it  was  supposed  that  he, 
too,  would  act  upon  the  principles  of  his  predeces- 
sors. But  the  sun  had  not  gone  down  upon  the  day 
of  his  inauguration  when  it  was  known  in  all  offi- 
cial circles  that  there  would  be  a  removal  from 
office  of  all  who  had  conspicuously  opposed,  and 
an  appointment  to  office  of  those  who  had  con- 
spicuously aided,  the  election  of  the  new  President. 
The  work  was  promptly  begun,  and  soon  there  was 
a  reign  of  terror  all  over  Washington.  The  great 
body  of  officials  awaited  their  fate  in  silent  dread, 
and  so  numerous  were  the  removals  that  the  busi- 
ness of  the  place  became  paralyzed.  In  fact,  the 
old  system  of  appointments  and  removals  was 
changed,  from  the  accession  of  General  Jackson,  to 
the  one  in  vogue  ever  since,  which  has  been  aptly 
described  as  "  to  the  victor  belong  the  spoils."  It 
is  not  our  intention  here  to  enter  into  any  dis- 
cussion regarding  the  evils  of  this  system,  which 
are  but  too  apparent  to  every  one  —  a  system  which 
renders  pure,  decent,  and  orderly  government  al- 
most impossible. 

The  course  of  the  administration  with  regard  to 
removals  caused  so  loud  and  general  a  clamor  as 
to  inspire  the  opposition  with  new  hopes.  The  old 
Federalists  who  had  supported  General  Jackson 


X<IFB  OF  OEKBBAL  JAOKSOIT.  Stf 

were  especially  shocked,  and  occasionally  the  of- 
ficers who  were  so  summarily  removed  did  not  sub- 
mit to  the  process  without  protesting.    It  must  be 
here  mentioned,  as  a  matter  of  justice  to  his  friend 
Major  Lewis,  that  the  latter  was  most  strenuously 
opposed  to  this  fatal  removal  policy  from  begin- 
ing  to  end,  but  without  avail.    At  the  meeting  of 
Congress  on  December  7th,  1829,  General  Jackson's 
first  Message  was  delivered,  and  was  a  most  im- 
portant paper,  marked  with  a  calm  deliberateness 
of  tone,  characteristic  of  the  General.    It  was  full 
of  brief,  pregnant  paragraphs,  the  most  prominent 
and  important  of  which  was  one  which  sounded  the 
first  note  of  war  against  the  United  States  Bank, 
and  two  others  defending  the  course  of  the  Gov- 
ernment in  its  removals  and  appointments,  the 
leading  ideas  of  which  were  that  a  long  tenure  of 
office  is  almost  necessarily  corrupting;   that  an 
office-holder  has  no  more  right  to  his  office  than  an 
office-seeker;   and  that  if  any  one  had  a  right  to 
complain  of  a  removal  from  office,  it  was  not  the 
luckless  individual  who  had   been  suddenly  de- 
prived of  the  means  of  subsistence  without  cause. 
The  Message  was,  upon  the  whole,  a  candid  and 
straightforward  document,  announcing  plainly  a 
policy  of  the  administration,  which  was  carried  out 
with  a  consistency  and  a  resolution  rarely  paj  al- 
leled.    The  debates  began,  and  were  most  carefiilly 
watched  by  President  Jackson.    The  proceedings 
of  the  Senate  were  the  first  to  kindle  his  wrath. 
The  Senate  was  not  so  disposed  to  confirm  as  the 
President  had  been  to  appoint.    A  large  number 
of  his  nominations  were  opposed,  and  several  on 
which  he  had  set  his  heart  were  rejected.     The 


jjn  or  eKmssAL  jaoksoit. 

most  remarkable  case  was  that  of  Isaac  Hill  (one  of 
the  Kitchen  Cabinet  before  referred  to).  It  was  the 
one  that  gave  the  President  the  deepest  oflfence,  and 
which  he  avenged  most  promptly  and  strikingly. 
The  term  of  Senator  Woodbury,  for  New  Hamp- 
shire, was  about  to  expire,  and  through  the  influ 
ence  of  the  President  and  his  party,  Isaac  Hill  was 
taken  up  by  the  Jackson  men  with  prompt  enthu- 
siasm for  the  seat,  and  he  was  elected  by  an  unu- 
sual majority,  thus  coming  back  to  Washington  a 
member  of  the  body  that  had  deemed  him  unworthy 
of  a  far  less  elevated  post. 

The  removal  and  appointment  question  was  ably 
discussed  in  both  Houses,  and  many  plans  were  sug- 
gested for  restricting  the  dread  power  of  removal, 
but  of  course  nothing  could  be,  or  was  done,  against 
80  powerful  an  administrative  majority  in  the  House. 

The  Bank  of  the  United  States  enjoyed  two  tri- 
umphs during  the  session.  The  Committee  of 
Ways  and  Means,  to  which  had  been  referred  that 
part  of  the  President's  Message  that  related  to  the 
bank,  reported  strongly  in  favor  of  the  existing 
bank,  and  as  strongly  against  the  bank  proposed 
by  the  President.  Later  on  in  the  session  other 
resolutions,  which  were  introduced  adverse  to  the 
bank,  were  laid  upon  the  table  by  a  vote  of  eighty- 
nine  to  sixty-six.  But  notwithstanding  these  tri- 
umphs, the  bank  was  a  doomed  bank.  This  was 
the  session  of  Congress  which  was  remarkable  for 
the  great  debate  between  Mr.  Hayne  and  Mr.  Web- 
ster, the  preliminary  debate  on  Nullification,  a  new 
and  distinct  doctrine  in  the  United  States,  em- 
bracing such  questions  as  State-Rights,  Liberty  be- 
fore Union,  Inequality  of  Burdens  and  Benefits. 


Lxne  OF  eENE&AL  jipuov.  MT 

Of  this  party  Mr.  Calhoun  was  regarded  by  8onth« 
ern  extremists  as  their  predestined  chief,  and  they 
were  in  the  habit  of  giving  utterance  to  sentiments 
regarding  the  Union  which  thrilled  with  horror  the 
patriotic  spirits  of  those  days.  The  Nullifiers  evi- 
dently expected  that  the  President,  having  been 
elected  by  the  aid  of  the  extreme  Southern  or 
State-Rights  party,  would  have  given  them  some 
show  of  acquiescence  and  support.  But  in  this 
they  were  quickly  deceived,  as  he  took  occasion,  on 
the  birthday  of  Thomas  Jefferson  (April  13th),  to 
give  the  toast  which  electrified  the  country  and 
has  become  historical, 

"  Our  Federal  Union :  It  must  be  preserved" 

intended  by  him  as  a  proclamation  from  the  Presi- 
dent to  announce  a  plot  against  the  Union,  and  to 
summon  the  people  to  its  defence. 

Congress  adjourned  on  the  thirty-first  of  May, 
and  shortly  after  a  most  serious  rupture  took  place 
between  General  Jackson  and  the  Vice-President, 
Mr.  Calhoun.  General  Jackson's  antipathy  to  Mr. 
Calhoun  was  of  long  standing, —  so  far  back  as 
December,  1829, —  and  it  now  broke  out,  so  far  as 
the  President  was  concerned,  into  avowed  and  irrec- 
oncilable hostility.  In  reviewing  the  whole  affair, 
at  once  so  trivial  and  yet  so  important  in  its  effect 
upon  the  course  of  political  events,  there  is  no  evi- 
dence, that  we  can  see,  that  Mr.  Calhoun  was  guilty 
of  the  duplicity  towards  General  Jackson  of  which 
the  latter  accused  him.  Not  only  was  he  not 
bound  to  communicate  to  General  Jackson  the 
transactions  of  the  Cabinet  Council,  but  he  was 
bound  not  to  reveal  them.    Nor  does  it  appear  that 


818  Um  OF  eSKEBAL  JACKMOm, 

he  eyer  professed,  publicly  or  privately,  to  General 
Jackson,  or  to  any  one  else,  that  be  approved  all 
of  the  General's  proceedings  in  Florida.  He  ad- 
mitted and  believed  that  General  Jackson's  motives 
had  been  patriotic,  and  if  he  disapproved  of  some 
of  them,  the  General  surely  had  no  right  to  make 
that  a  ground  of  oflfence.  Mr.  Calhoun's  only  mis- 
take was  in  his  replying  to  the  General's  first  letter 
in  any  other  way  except  to  civilly  decline  giving 
the  desired  information.  Had  he  done  this.  Gen- 
eral Jackson  might  still  have  hated  him,  but  he 
could  never  have  despised  him.  A  manly  defiance 
General  Jackson  liked  next  to  complete  submission. 
One  result  of  this  feud  between  the  President  and 
Vice-President  was  the  defection  of  one  of  the 
oldest  and  stanchest  friends  of  the  former,  DuflP 
Green,  whose  paper,  the  United  States  Telegraphy 
was  the  organ  of  the  administration,  and  on  which 
they  depended  for  aid  in  the  contest  with  the  Bank 
of  the  United  States,  which  they  saw  impending. 
Duff"  Green  began  to  take  the  side  of  Calhoun,  it 
being,  as  he  said,  "  the  side  of  truth  and  honor ; "  so 
the  administration  determined  to  establish  another 
organ,  and  the  man  selected  as  being  the  best  fitted 
for  the  editorship  of  the  proposed  organ  was  Francis 
P.  Blair,  of  Kentucky,  one  of  the  most  decided  op- 
ponents of  the  bank  in  the  Union  and  also  of  Nul- 
lification. Like  Jonah's  gourd,  the  Globe,  the  new 
organ,  sprang  into  existence  almost  in  a  single 
night,  and  it  soon,  by  getting  more  than  its  share 
of  departmental  printing,  was  on  a  paying  basis. 
Being  recognized  as  the  administration  organ,  sub- 
scribers poured  in  by  hundreds  in  a  day,  office- 
holders seeing  that  it  was  to  their  interest  to 
tekeit 


ura  Of  exiTBRAL  JAcnnov.  Mi 

Congress  again  met  on  December  6th,  1880,  and 
the*second  Message  of  the  President  was  read, 
one  of  the  most  carefully  elaborated  documents 
ever  presented  to  Congress,  touching  upon  the 
leading  topics  then  agitating  the  public  mind  with 
great  skill  and  powerful  argument.  It  concluded 
with  a  second  and  louder  warning  to  the  United 
States  Bank,  Only  one  event  in  this  short  session 
of  Congress,  ending  March  3d,  1831,  was  Colonel 
Benton's  first  formal  attack  upon  the  bank,-which 
was  a  very  able  and  eflfective  speech,  and  which 
roused  the  people ;  the  instant  it  was  delivered,  a 
vote  was  called  for  and  taken,  resulting  in  a  strong 
vote  against  the  bank  —  twenty  to  twenty- three  — 
enough  to  excite  uneasiness. 

Towards  the  close  of  this  brief  but  uneventfdl 
session  of  Congress,  Mr.  Calhoun  published  his 
"  book,"  containing  his  late  correspondence  with 
the  President,  and  a  mass  of  letters  and  statements 
illustrative  thereof  This  pamphlet  was  discussed 
in  a  strictly  partisan  spirit — all  the  opposition  pa- 
pers applauding  it,  and  all  the  Jackson  organs  con- 
demning it  as  an  attack  upon  the  President.  The 
President's  retort  was  prompt,  adroit,  and  over- 
whelming. By  a  series  of  skilful  movements  he 
shelved  the  three  members  of  his  Cabinet  —  Ing- 
ham, Branch,  and  Berrien  —  who  were  Calhoun's 
friends  and  political  allies.  A  dissolution  of  the 
Cabinet  was  the  expedient  hit  upon.  Mr.  Van  Bu- 
ren  and  Major  Eaton  were  to  resign  and  to  be  pro- 
vided for — the  former  going  to  England  in  place 
of  Mr.  McLane,  who  was  recalled  to  be  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury,  and  the  latter  it  was  intended  to 
appoint  to  a  seat  in  the  Senate.    The  obnoxioof 


800  LIFE  OF  GENERAL  JACK80K. 

three  were  asked  for  their  resignations,  which  of 
course  they  tendered.  The  dissolution,  its  causes 
and  consequences,  and  the  many  scandals  it  gave 
rise  to,  of  which  we  cannot  here  speak,  were  the 
newspaper  topic  of  the  whole  summer.  Mr.  Webster 
took  a  very  serious  view  of  the  prospect  before  his 
—  the  opposition  —  party.  He  wrote  to  Mr.  Clay, 
in  October,  urging  his  return  to  the  Senate.  "  We 
are  to  have  an  interesting  and  arduous  session. 
Everything  is  to  be  attacked.  An  array  is  prepar- 
ing, much  more  formidable  than  has  ever  yet  as- 
saulted what  we  think  the  leading  and  important 
public  interests.  Not  only  the  tariff,  but  the  Con- 
stitution itself,  in  its  elementary  and  fundamental 
principles,  will  be  assailed  with  talent,  vigor,  and 
anion.  Everything  is  to  be  debated,  as  if  nothing 
had  ever  been  settled." 

This  was  true.  Nullification  hung  like  a  dark 
cloud  over  the  Southern  horizon.  South  Carolina 
was  in  a  ferment,  and,  unless  the  tariff  was  rectified 
at  the  next  session,  she  might  do  such  things  as 
then  she  knew  not  of. 

The  next  session  was  the  great  session  of  Jackson's 
administration.  Illustrious  names,  great  debates, 
extraordinary  incidents,  momentous  measures,  all 
combined  to  make  it  a  memorable  one  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  country. 

The  Message  was,  strange  to  say,  one  of  the 
quietest  and  shortest  ever  presented  to  Congress 
by  General  Jackson.  Without  delay,  and  without 
even  a  debate,  the  Senate  confirmed  the  nomina- 
tions of  the  new  members  of  the  Cabinet.  Not  so 
the  nomination  of  Mr.  Van  Buren  to  the  post  of 
British  Ambassador.    The  leaders  of  the  Senate 


LIFE  OF  OENEBAL  JACKSON.  8S1 

,  had  resolved  upon  his  rejection,  and  after  prelimi- 
nary manoeuvres,  lasting  fifty-one  days,  and  a  de- 
bate of  two  days,  the  nomination  of  Mr.  Van  Buren 
was  rejected. 

The  rejection  secured  Mr.  Van  Buren's  political 
fortune.  His  elevation  to  the  presidency,  long 
before  desired  and  intended  by  General  Jackson, 
from  that  hour  became  one  of  his  darling  objects. 

The  two  great  topics  of  the  session  were  the 
tariff  and  the  bank.  As  it  wore  on,  the  all-im- 
portant question  was  "Shall  the  Bank  of  the 
United  States  be  rechartered,  or  shall  it  not?" 

On  January  9th,  1832,  a  memorial  was  presented 
from  the  President  and  Directors  of  the  Bank, 
asking  a  renewal  of  their  charter,  —  a  memorial 
couched  in  language  most  modest  and  respectful. 
It  was  a  prominent  subject  of  debate  during  all  the 
winter  and  spring  of  1832.  January,  February, 
March,  April,  May,  and  June  passed  away  before 
the  final  passage  of  the  bank  bill  was  voted  upon ; 
and  never  was  exhibited  so  striking  an  illustration 
of  the  maxim  that  will,  not  talent,  governs  the  world. 
The  will  of  one  man,  General  Jackson,  operating 
upon  the  will  of  one  other  man,  Thomas  H.  Ben- 
ton, carried  the  day  against  the  assembled  talent 
and  the  interested  capital  of  the  country. 

The  bill  rechartering  the  bank  passed  the  Sen- 
ate, on  June  11th,  by  a  vote  of  28  to  20,  and  the 
House,  on  July  3d,  by  a  vote  of  109  to  76.  It  was 
presented  to  the  President  on  July  4th,  and  by  him 
returned  to  Congress,  vetoed,  on  the  10th  of  the 
same  month. 

There  was  rare  speaking  in  the  Senate  on  the 
reception   of  the  yeto    message.     Mr.  Webstei 
30 


168  hsrm  or  oenebal  jaokbov. 

opened  the  debate  by  predicting  the  direst  come- 
quences  to  the  country,  unless  the  people,  at  the 
approaching  election,  reversed  the  President's  de- 
cision. Mr.  Clay  followed,  and  so  the  discussion 
was  kept  up  until  Congress  adjourned  on  July 
16th. 

The  result  of  the  election  of  1832  astonished 
everybody.  Not  the  wildest  and  most  enthusiastic 
Jackson  man  had  anticipated  so  overwhelming  a 
victory.  The  total  number  of  electoral  votes  in 
1832  was  282.  General  Jackson  received  219,  and 
Mr.  Van  Buren,  for  the  Vice-Presidency,  received 
189. 

How  can  such  a  result  be  explained  ?  Only  that 
General  Jackson  was  right  in  all  his  leading  public 
measures,  excepting  his  appointment  and  removal 
policy,  and  that  he  was  supported  by  the  masses 
of  the  people. 

We  now  come  to  th'e  topic  of  Nullification,  which 
was  one  of  the  most  momentous  during  the  admin- 
istration of  General  Jackson.  This  word  Nullifi- 
cation was  first  introduced  into  American  politics 
as  early  as  1798,  when  the  passage  of  the  alien  and 
sedition  laws  prompted  the  Legislatures  of  Virginia 
and  Kentucky  to  adopt  what  are  known  as  the 
"  Resolutions  of  '98,"  of  which  Madison  and  Jefier- 
son  were  the  authors.  The  interpretation  put  on 
these  resolutions  by  the  Nullifiers  of  1832  was  this : 
Any  single  State  may  nullify  any  act  of  Congress 
which  it  deems  unconstitutional.  The  extreme 
Nullifiers  even  boldly  avowed  that  the  Resolutions 
of  1798  meant  that  any  State  of  the  Union  may  secede 
from  the  Union  whenever  it  likes.  The  language  of 
Mr.  Calhoun  amounted  to  this,  and  nothing  short 


LIFE  OF  GENEBAL  JACKSON.  S68 

of  that.  He  proposed  a  nullification  of  a  revenue 
law,  and  a  revenue  law  must  be  universal  in  its 
operation,  or  it  cannot  anywhere  be  obeyed.  The 
comment  of  General  Jackson  on  this  reasoning 
was  forcible  and  about  the  best  the  discussion 
elicited.  "  If  this  thing  goes  on,"  he  said,  "  our 
country  will  be  like  a  bag  of  meal  with  both  ends 
open.  Pick  it  up  in  the  middle  or  endwise,  it  will 
run  out." 

The  contrast  between  the  slow  and  limited  pros- 
perity of  the  South  and  the  swift  and  marvellous 
progress  of  the  North,  was  never  so  remarkable  as 
it  was  during  the  administration  of  General  Jack- 
son. The  North  was  bounding  forward  on  a  bright 
career ;  but  the  South  was  paralyzed  and  desolate. 
As  the  first  years  of  General  Jackson's  administra- 
tion wore  away  without  giving  the  South  that  relief 
which  they  had  hoped  from  it,  the  discontent  of  the 
Southern  people  increased.  Circumstances  gave 
them  a  new  and  telling  argument.  In  1831,  the 
public  debt  had  been  so  far  diminished,  as  to  render 
it  certain  that  in  three  years  the  last  dollar  of  it 
would  be  paid.  The  government  had  been  collect- 
ing about  twice  as  much  revenue  as  its  annual 
expenditures  required.  In  three  years,  therefore, 
there  would  be  an  annual  surplus  of  twelve  or 
thirteen  millions  of  dollars.  The  South  demanded, 
with  almost  a  united  voice,  that  the  duties  should 
be  reduced  so  as  to  make  the  revenue  equal  to  the 
expenditure,  and  that,  in  making  this  reduction, 
the  principle  of  protection  should  be,  in  eflTect, 
abandoned. 

The  case  was  one  of  serious  diflSculty.    To  re- 
duce the  revenue  at  one  swoop  thirteen  millions  of 


864  urm  of  general  jaoksoh. 

dollars,  would  be  disastrous  to  all  the  manufactur- 
ing  interests  of  the  country.  At  this  juncture,  Mr. 
Clay  returned  to  the  Senate  in  December,  1831, 
and,  after  an  able  and  exhaustive  discussion,  pro- 
posed that  "  the  duties  on  articles  imported  from 
foreign  countries,  and  not  coming  into  competition 
with  similar  articles  produced  in  the  United  States, 
be  forthwith  abolished,  except  the  duties  on  wines 
and  silks,  and  that  those  be  reduced."  A  bill  in 
accordance  with  this  was  passed  by  both  Houses, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  preserving  the  pro- 
tective principle  intact,  and  reducing  the  income 
of  the  government  about  three  millions  of  dollars. 
A  month  after  Congress  adjourned,  the  Vice-Presi- 
dent went  home  to  South  Carolina,  and  the  discon- 
tent of  the  South  was  inflamed  to  such  a  degree, 
that  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  South  Carolina 
called  a  convention  of  its  citizens  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  late  action  of  Congress.  The  con- 
vention met  on  November  19th,  1832,  and  a  com- 
mittee of  twenty-one  appointed,  the  result  of  whose 
labors  was  the  celebrated  Nullifying  Ordinance  of 
November  24th,  1832.  The  people  of  the  State  ac- 
cepted this  ordinance,  and  the  Legislature  passed 
the  act  requisite  for  carrying  it  into  practical  effect. 
The  Governor  was  authorized  to  accept  the  services 
of  volunteers,  and  the  State  resounded  with  the 
noise  of  warlike  preparations.  Medals  were  struck 
bearing  the  inscription,  "  John  C.  Calhoun,  First 
President  of  the  Southern  Confederacy."  Mr.  Cal- 
houn was  selected  to  fill  the  vacancy  created  in  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States  by  the  election  of  Mr. 
Haynes  to  the  governorship,  and  resigning  the  vice- 


IIPE  OP  GENERAL  JAOKSOBT.  886 

presidency,  he  began  his  journey  to  Washington 
leaving  his  State  in  the  wildest  ferment.  ' 

General  Jackson  at  this  time  was  at  his  home, 
,  the  Hermitage;  but  he  kept  an  eye  on  South  Caro- 
hna,  and  General  Scott  was  quietly  ordered  to  South 
Carol  ma.  Other  changes  were  made  by  the  Presi- 
dent in  the  disposition  of  naval  and  military  forces, 
so  resolved  was  he  to  preserve  intact  the  authority 
with  which  he  had  been  entrusted. 

Congress  met  on   the  3d  of   December.    The 
President's  Message  was  an  unusually  quiet  and 
business-like  document;  but  it  was  followed,  a  few 
days  after,  by  another  of  a  very  different  tenor 
—  that  remarkable  proclamation  refuting  one  by 
one  the  leading  positions  of  the  Nullifiers,  which 
electrified  the  North,  as  it  irritated  the  excited 
feeling  of  South  Carolina.    This  proclamation  was 
answered  by  a  counter-proclamation  from  the  Gov- 
ernor of  the  latter  State,  calling  upon  his  fellow- 
citizens  to  ''disregard  the  menaces  of  military  force 
which,  if  the  President  was  tempted  to  employ,  it 
would  become  their  solemn  duty  to  resist."    When 
this  reached  Washington,  the  President  asked  Con- 
gress for  an  increase  of  power  adequate  to  the  im- 
pending collision,  which  was  granted  him. 

The  collision,  however,  fortunately,  was  averted 
by  the  passage  of  what  was  called  a  compromise 
bill,  introduced  by  Mr.  Clay,  for  the  regulation  of 
the  tariff,  proposing  a  gradual  reduction  of  duties 
and  intended  to  postpone  further  action  until  a 
more  auspicious  day.  To  this  bill  IHr.  Calhoun 
agreed,  and  even  voted  for,  and  it  wa?  passed  by  a 
irote  of  119  to  85.    General  Jackson  disapproyed 


8M  LIFE  OF  eSNERAL  JAOKSOV. 

of  this  hasty  and,  as  it  proved,  unstable  compro- 
mise ;  but  he  signed  it. 

As  soon  as  it  was  passed,  Mr.  Calhoun  left  Wash- 
ington, and  travelling  night  and  day  reached  Col- 
umbia in  time  to  meet  the  convention  before  they 
had  taken  any  further  steps.  His  explanation  sat- 
isfied them,  and  so  the  storm,  which  at  one  time 
had  seemed  so  threatening  and  imminent,  passed 
over. 

General  Jackson  passed  his  sixty-sixth  birthday 
in  the  spring  of  1833.  He  stood  then  in  the  zenith 
of  his  career,  opposition  being  for  the  moment  al- 
most silenced,  and  the  whole  country,  except  South 
Carolina,  looking  up  to  him  as  to  a  saviour.  Had 
he  only  gone  on  quietly  during  the  remaining  years 
of  his  term,  making  no  new  issues  and  provoking 
no  new  controversies,  it  would  have  been  better 
for  him ;  but  going  on  quietly  was  not  his  forte. 

Hardly  had  the  Nullification  question  been  set- 
tled, as  it  were,  than  war  was  again  renewed  upon 
the  Bank  of  the  United  States.  General  Jackson 
had  recommended  to  Congress,  in  his  Message  of 
December,  1832,  to  sell  out  the  stock  held  by  the 
United  States  in  the  bank,  and  to  investigate  its 
condition,  with  a  view  to  ascertain  whether  the 
public  deposits  were  safe  in  its  keeping.  Congress, 
however,  voted  down  these  propositions  by  im- 
mense majorities ;  but  this  did  not  divert  the  Presi- 
dent from  his  fixed  purpose.  He  believed  that  the 
bank  was  insolvent,  and  that  unless  he  could  crip- 
ple the  institution  before  Congress  again  met,  the 
bank  would  certainly  attain  a  two-thirds  majority. 
The  idea  occurred  to  him  then  "  to  remove  the  de- 
posits," not  in  the  actual  sense  of  removing  what 


LIFB  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON.  SOT 

deposits  there  were  then  in  the  bank,  but  to  cease  cfe- 

positing  the  public  money  in  its  vault,  and  to  draw 
out  what  was  there  as  the  public  service  required. 
It  was  proposed,  instead  of  depositing  the  public 
money  in  the  Bank  of  the  United  States  and  its 
twenty-five  branches,  to  deposit  it  in  a  similar 
number  of  State  Banks. 

This  measure  was  strongly  opposed  by  every 
member  of  the  Cabinet  but  two,  and  a  large  ma- 
jority of  the  President's  best  friends  from  the  be- 
ginning to  the  end.  The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
Mr.  Duane,  positively  refused  to  sanction  any  such 
measure,  and  desired  the  whole  subject  presented 
in  the  clearest  light  before  Congress,  being  fully 
confident  that  they  would  correct  the  abuses  and 
avert  the  mischief  apprehended  by  the  President. 
General  Jackson  then  caused  to  be  read  to  the 
Cabinet  the  paper  known  to  history  as  "  The  paper 
read  to  the  Cabinet  on  the  18th  of  September." 
In  this  he  takes  upon  himself  the  sole  responsibility 
of  the  removal,  and  names  the  first  day  of  October 
next  as  the  day  the  deposits  would  be  removed. 
Two  days  later,  the  President  announced  in  the 
Olobe  that  the  Government  would  cease  to  deposit 
the  public  money  in  the  Bank  of  the  United  States 
after  October  1st.  The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
refused  to  order  the  change  in  the  fiscal  system  an- 
nounced in  the  financial  newspaper,  and  remaining 
firm  in  his  refusal,  the  President  removed  him  from 
the  Secretaryship,  and  appointed  Mr.  Eoger  B. 
Taney,  then  Attorney-General,  in  his  place. 

When  Congress  met  on  December  2d,  the  Presi- 
dent, in  his  Message,  again  avowed  the  measure 
of  the  removal  of  the  deposits  to  be  his  own  mesa- 


166  Lirs  OF  esmBAL  jaoksov. 

ore.    This  question  was  the  topic  of  the  day  from 

the  first  week  in  December,  1833,  to  the  last  day  of 
June,  1834.    Indeed,  it  was  the  great  topic  from 

1833  to  1842.  It  lived  through  the  panic  of  1834, 
the  inflation  of  1835,  the  madness  of  1836,  the 
crash  of  1837,  the  depression  of  1838  to  1842,  and 
only  received  its  quietus  in  1844.  The  result  of 
the  whole  discussion  was  the  Sub-treasury  —  a  re- 
sult which  might  have  been  reached  just  as  well  in 

1834  as  in  1838. 

The  8th  of  January,  1835,  was  the  day  which 
General  Jackson  esteemed  as  the  most  glorious  of 
his  presidency.  It  was  the  anniversary  of  the  battle 
of  New  Orleans,  and  was  seized  as  the  occasion  to 
celebrate  the  payment  of  the  last  instalment  of  the 
public  debt.  The  parties  made  the  most  of  this 
auspicious  event  by  a  banquet  of  more  than  ordi- 
nary magnificence,  given  at  Washington  on  the  8th 
of  January,  1835.  On  the  30th  of  the  same  month, 
his  life  was  twice  attempted  by  a  lunatic  named 
Lawrence,  but  luckily  both  times  the  pistol  missed 
fire. 

The  Message  of  1835,  the  last  but  one  of  General 
Jackson's  annual  communications  to  Congress,  de- 
mands a  moment's  notice  from  us.  The  country 
seemed  to  be  prosperous  beyond  example.  The 
national  debt  was  paid,  and  there  was  a  surplus  in 
the  treasury  of  eleven  millions.  The  President's 
love  of  a  hard  currency  appeared  conspicuously  in 
this  Message. 

One  of  the  most  important  acts  passed  by  this 
Congress  was  the  State  Deposit  Act  of  1836.  Con- 
gress sat  until  the  4th  of  July,  and  adjourned  with- 
out introducing  any  measure  to  put  a  stop  to  the 


Urm  OF  0BNIKAL  JAOKMV.  IW 

laad  speculations,  such  as  oompeUing  piiichaB«n 
of  pablic  lands  to  pay  for  them  in  specie  only. 
One  week  after  Congress  adjourned,  President 
Jackson,  who  saw  the  ruin  that  threatened  the 
country,  if  these  speculations  continued,  issued  the 
famous  "Specie  Circular"  on  his  own  authority, 
against  the  known  will  of  Congress,  but  it  came 
too  late.  It  could  only  now  precipitate  the  crash 
which  had  become  inevitable.  The  pressure  in 
the  money  market  increased  steadily  from  May, 
1836,  until  it  ended  in  the  stupendous  ruin  of  May, 
1837. 

In  November,  1836,  General  Jackson's  most 
cherished  hope  of  the  election  of  Mr.  Van  Buren 
to  the  presidency  was  realized,  a  result  for  which, 
for  seven  years,  he  had  schemed  and  labored.  It 
was  a  signal  triumph,  for  it  was  one  which  se- 
cured all  the  objects  nearest  his  heart,  dismayed 
the  opposition,  and  deprived  the  bank  party  of  its 
last  hope.  During  the  last  session  of  Congress, 
at  the  close  of  General  Jackson's  administration, 
the  most  notable  act  was  the  rescinding  by  both 
Houses  of  the  Specie  Circular  of  1836,  which,  how- 
ever, the  President  killed  by  not  acting  upon  it. 

The  inauguration  of  Mr.  Van  Buren  took  place 
on  the  4th  of  March,  1837,  and  on  the  third 
day  after  General  Jackson  began  his  homeward 
journey.  He  was  seventy  years  of  age  when  he 
retired  from  the  presidency  —  an  infirm  old  man, 
seldom  free  from  pain  for  an  hour,  never  for  a  day, 
and  poor.  He  said  himself  that  he  returned  home 
"  with  only  ninety  dollars  "  in  his  pocket.  During 
the  next  few  years  he  lived  the  life  of  a  planter, 
enjoying  the  society  of  his  adopted  son  and  hin 


800  urm  of  oevbeal  jagkiov. 

amiable  and  estimikble  wife.  They  and  their  chil- 
dren were  the  only  consolation  of  his  old  age. 
Surrounded  by  an  affectionate  circle  of  friends,  he 
passed  many  happy  days,  and  most  of  his  latter 
days  would  have  been  happy  had  it  not  been  for 
his  being  frequently  reduced  by  illness  to  the  con- 
dition of  a  helpless  invalid. 

The  Hermitage  was  still,  as  ever,  the  seat  of  hos- 
pitality, and  was  visited  not  only  by  his  numer- 
ous friends,  but  by  many  strangers,  who  came  to 
see  the  "  General."  All  were  welcomed  cordially, 
whether  they  were  friends  or  strangers. 

The  ex-President  took  as  lively  an  interest  as 
ever  in  the  fortunes  of  his  party  after  his  retire- 
ment from  public  life.  When,  in  1840,  General 
Harrison  was  re-nominated.  General  Jackson  ex- 
erted himself  powerfully  to  secure  his  friend  Mr. 
Van  Buren's  re-election,  even  to  the  extent  of 
making  personally  a  considerable  tour  in  the  west- 
em  part  of  Tennessee  to  aid  his  cause. 

In  1842  General  Jackson  became  sadly  embar- 
rassed through  the  misfortunes  of  his  son,  and,  as 
a  last  resource,  he  applied  to  his  fast  friend,  Mr. 
Blair,  of  the  Globe,  who  was  then  in  affluent  cir- 
cumstances. Ten  thousand  dollars  was  the  sum 
needed,  and  Mr,  Blair  not  only  resolved  on  the  in- 
stant to  lend  the  money,  but  to  lend  it  on  the  Gen- 
eral's personal  security,  and  to  make  the  loan  as 
closely  resemble  a  gift  as  the  General's  delicacy 
would  permit  it  to  be.  Upon  reading  Mr.  Blair's 
letter,  the  old  man  burst  into  tears,  but  would  ac- 
cept the  money  only  on  conditions  which  secured 
Mb  friend  against  any  possibility  of  loss. 

We  come  now  to  the  closing  scenes  of  the  life  of 


Lira  OF  OBNEBAIi  JAOKSOK.  881 

General  Jackson.  Inheriting  a  constitution  that 
was  never  strong,  he  had  been  for  thirty-one  years  a 
diseased  man.  During  the  first  six  years  after  his 
retirement  from  the  presidency  his  health  was  not 
much  worse  than  it  had  usually  been  in  Washington. 
The  attacks  of  hemorrhage,  to  which  he  was  still 
subject,  left  him  weaker  than  he  had  ever  been  be- 
fore, and  during  the  last  two  years  of  his  life  he 
never  really  rallied  from  these  attacks,  and  knew 
few,  and  those  very  brief,  intervals  of  relief  from 
pain.  A  cough  harassed  him  day  and  night,  and 
he  had  all  the  symptoms  of  consumption.  Six 
months  before  his  death  dropsy  set  in,  and  he  was 
alternately  swollen  by  dropsy  and  prostrated  by 
diarrhoea. 

The  patience  which  he  displayed  during  these 
months  of  dissolution  was  sublime.  No  pain, 
however  severe,  ever  wrung  from  this  naturally 
most  irascible  of  men  a  fretful  or  complaining 
word. 

On  Sunday,  May  24th,  1845,  the  last  Sunday  but 
two  of  his  life.  General  Jackson  partook  of  the 
communion  in  the  presence  of  his  family.  He 
conversed  freely  of  the  consolation  of  religion,  and 
declared  that  he  was  fully  prepared  for  the  final 
summons.  "Death,"  said  he,  after  the  solemn 
ceremony  was  over,  "  has  no  terrors  for  me.  When 
I  have  suffered  sufficiently,  the  Lord  will  take  me 
to  himself;  but  what  are  my  sufferings  com- 
pared with  those  of  the  blessed  Saviour  who  died 
on  the  accursed  tree  for  my  sake?  Mine  are 
nothing." 

On  the  Friday  before  he  died,  in  an  interval  of 
comparative  relief,  he  expressed  to  his  daughter  his 


Urm  OF  OENEBAL  JAOKSOH. 

desire  to  be  buried  without  pomp  or  display  of  any 
kind  —  only  in  a  plain,  unostentatious  manner. 
Even  at  this  supreme  moment  his  thoughts  were 
directed  to  the  affairs  of  his  beloved  country,  and 
he  dictated  a  letter  to  the  President,  Polk,  express- 
ing confidence  in  his  judgment  and  patriotism, and 
urging  him  to  act  promptly  and  resolutely  in  the 
affairs  of  Texas  and  Oregon.  This  was  his  last 
letter. 

He  saw  the  light  of  another  Sunday  morning  — 
June  8th  —  a  brilliant,  hot  day.  He  lingered  all 
the  day,  lying  tranquil  and  without  pain,  at  inter- 
vals recognizing  his  children  and  friends  who  sur- 
rounded his  death -bed,  and  sending  farewell  mes- 
sages to  others  who  were  not  present.  At  six  in 
the  evening  he  passed  away  quietly,  without  a 
struggle  or  a  pang. 

Two  days  after  he  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  gra\e, 
by  the  side  of  his  beloved  wife.  All  Nashville  and 
the  surrounding  country  were  present  at  the  fu- 
neral—  not  less  than  three  thousand  persons,  it  was 
estimated  —  and  the  ceremonies  were  of  the  most 
impressive  and  touching  character.  The  tablet 
which  covers  the  remains  of  the  aged  warrior  bean 
the  following  inscription : 

General  Andrew  Jackson. 

Bom  on  the  16th  of  March,  176*. 

Died  on  the  8th  of  June,  1545. 


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eJ^I    ^^-^^Ph^.   REFERENCE- 

BOOK.— A  manual  of  tacts,  contaimng  a  chron- 
ological history  of  ths  United  States;  the  public 
lands;  everjthing  about  the  constitution, debts, 
revenues,  productions,  wealth,  population,  rail- 
roads, exemption,  interest,  insolvent  and  assign- 
ment statutes  of  the  United  States,  &c. 

♦^'^Y. J®  COWPOSITION:  or,How 

to  Write  a  Book.— a  complete  guide  to  au- 
thorship,and  practical  instructer  in  all  kinds  of  lit- 
erary labor.  As  an  aid  and  instructer  to  those  who 
ftesire  to  follow  literary  pursuits  permanently  for 

jofit,  or  to  those  who  write  for  recreation  and 

ieasure,  this  book  is  indispensable. 

-.P.XJWNASTICS    WITHOUT   A 

TEACHER.- This  book  "laiRly"expTaiS8  tS 
you  iiow  to  go  about  learning  all  the  popular 
brenches  of  gj-mnastics.  Every  man  and  boy 
ought  to  learu  the  different  exercises  described  in 
tlUB  book,  if  he  wishes  to  live  a  healthy  life  and 
presei^e  a  sound  and  vigorous  body,  a  sharp  eye. 
and  8il)ple  limbs.  *-  j^ 

«f9ferS^N^''°E*-,*-<KQ  WADE  EASY 

Pn^'ir^i^i^  Dreamer's  Sure  Culde.-Thia 

DooK  wm  telJ  you  about  your  destiny,  your  pros- 


i,, —  TBia  very  v 


^'^^^%owH 


COOK-  BbOK.-  TTlia  Very  vauTWe  'manual 

tenches  nlnin  Iv  how  to  buy,  dress,  rr.  .k,  Sfirve,  and 
^:uivc5  ev^iy  Liuu  u[  fish,  fowl,  u  tit,  game' auj 
vegetable.  Also,  how  to  preserve  fruits  and  vege» 
tables,  and  how  to  make  pastry. 

THE    FAMILY,  CYCLOPEDIA.-A 

complete  and  practical  domestic  manual  for  all 
classes.  This  valuable  and  comprehensive  work  is 
needed  in  every  house. 

^THE  ART  OF  SELF-DEFENSE:  or. 

Boxing  without  a  Waste rc-^itlfort^ 

large  illuatrations,  showing  all  the  different  posf* 
tions,  blows,  stops,  and  guards.  By  Ned  DoNELLr, 
i'rotessor  of  Boxing  to  the  London  Athletic  Clubw 
^THE  ART  OF  BEAUTIFYING  AND 
Preservlna:  the  Hair;  or.  How  to 
Make  tneTMair  Crow.- This  is  the  only 
exhaustive  acientitic  work  ou  the  hair  published. 

.HAWTHORNE'S  COMIC  AND 
TRACIC  DiALOCUES.-IncfSSingmany 

pt  the  most  attectiug,  amusing,  and  spirited  dia^ 
logues  ever  written,— affording  opportunities  foi 
the  display  of  every  different  quality  of  action, 
voice,  and  dehvery,- suitable  for  schools,  acada* 
mies,  anmversaries,  and  parlor  presentations. 

^HAWTHORNE'S  JUVENBLE 
SPEAKER    AJiJif  f8EADER.-^epl?el 

expressly  and  carclully  foi  the  use  of  young  chil- 
dren. Containing  a  large  number  of  pieces,  some 
simple  enough  to  please  infants,  while  all  are  sura 
to  delight  and  improve  children  of  every  age. 

#M^4^'"'"^°P^^S'§K    TRAGIC      RE- 

CITeR.— Contammg  the  very  best  pieces  eves 
written  expressive  of  Love.  Hate,  Fear,  Eage,  Re- 
venge, Jealousy,  and  the  other  most  melting,  stir- 
ring, and  startling  passions  of  the  human  heart. 

HAWTHORNE'S  COMIC  RECITEft 

Filled  witb  the  hveliest,  joUiest,  laughter-pro^E 


pective  marriage,  your  b'usiness  pro'spects,  your 
'T)ve-Bffi:ir8.  The  book  is  a  perfect  oracle  of  fate. 
FRENCH  JN  A  FORTNIGHT^wlth- 

OUt  a  master.— A  royal  road  to  a  knowledge 
Of  the  Parisihu  tongue,  in  fifteen  easy  lesions  on 
•ccent,  grammar,  and  pronunciation. 

^tNCIDENTS  pp.  AMERICAN 
JDAInP-LIFE.— A  collection  of  tragic,  pathet- 
ic, and  numorous  events,  which  actually  occurred 
during  the  late  civil  war. 

OUR  ^KNOWLEPGE«BOX:    or,  eld 


jng  stones,  lectures,  and  other  humorous  pieces. 

Hawthorne's    Book    of    Ready 

made^SpeeCheS  on  ail  subjects  that  can 
occur,  whether  on  serious,  sentimental,  or  humor- 
ous occasions.  Including  speeches  and  replies 
at  dinners,  receptions,  festivals,  polittcal  meetings 
military  reviews,  firemen's  gatherings,  and  indeed 
wherever  and  whenever  any  party,  large  or  smalL 
13  gathered  to  dine,  to  mourn,  to  congratulate  or 
•  to  rejoice.  Appended  to  which  are  forms  of' ail 
kinds  of  resolutions,  &c,  with  a  great  number  of 
sentiments  and  toasts. 

r.,Tf?®?*'i'*^3'^  at  Home 5  or.  Plays 

for  the  Parlor.  Plainly  teaching'how'to  dres? 
make  up,  study,  and  perform  at  private  theatrical 
parties.  To  which  are  added  how  to  arrange  an! 
display  tableaux  vivants,  shadow  pantomimcsv 
drawing-room  magic,  acting  charades,  conun. 
drums,  enigmas,&c.,with  explanatory  engraviugi 

«.,?i"'P»  §"^P»  Snorum,  and  nearly 

one  huuared  other  parlor  games,  such  as  luvenUa 
card-games,  games  of  forfeits,  games  of  action, 
fames  with  pen  and  pencil  Including  many  new 
and  all  the  old  favorite  amnsementa  calculated  t* 
make  home  happy  and  set  the  youngsters  screan*' 
ing  wild  with  innocent  delight, 

smoking  the  various   k-ndi   of  Alcat,  i^i,  ai3 

wame.    Also,  how  to  preserve  and  keep,  fresh  and 

u    u    ^^^^^'  fruits,  berries,  and  vegetables.    To 

which  18  added  complete  directions  ior  making 

candies  and  choice  confections. 

.   Fishing  With  HopK  and  Llne.-Thia 

book  gives  plain  and  tulT directions  for  catchini 
all  the  different  kinds  of  fish  found  in  Americaa 
waters;  the  proper  season  for  fishing  for  theak 
and  the  bait,  tackle,  &&,  to  be  used- 

^  Honest  Abe's  Jokes.— A coiiectionfll 

Hmf&w6  josM  wa  B<iaibs  otkbrftbaiB  Ubm^ 


POPULAR  DICTIONARY 

CONTAIKISQ 

EVERY  us:E:riri.  i^ord 

To  be  found  in  the  English  Language,  with  its 
TBUE   MEAiTING,   DEEIVATION,    SPELLINQ   AHB   PEOSTDKOIATIOir, 

ALSO.  A  VAST  AMOUNT  OF 

ABSOIiUTEIiT    NECESSARY    INFORMATION 

UPON 

Shfimct,  Mythology,  Biography,  American  History,  Constitutinrs,  Laivs,  Land  Titles, 

Citiet,  Colleges,  Arni^  and  Navy,  Ra'e  of  Mortality,  Groioth  of  Cities, 

Insolvent  and  Asiignnunt  Laws,  Debts,  Ra  ts  0/  Interest, 

and  other  Useful  Knowledge,  being  a 

PERFECT  LIBRARY  OF  REFERENCE  IN  ONE  HANDY  VOLUME. 

Thepnblishersof  the  AMERICAN  POPULAR  DICTION  ARY  claim  fori*  the  tup. 

^rt  of  the  public,  for  the  following  among  many  other  important  reasons  : — 

It  contains  EVERY  AVURD  OF  THE  E>GLISH  LAKGUAGE  that  enters  into  speech  or  writing. 

THE  SPELLING  of  ear:h  word  is  precisely  that  given  by  the  best  authorities. 

THE  DEFIMTIOXS  are  compiled  from  a  majority  of  the  best  writers  of  th   English  language. 

THE  PROM">'tTATIOJi'  of  every  word  is  that  settled  upon  by  the  ablest  masters  of  this  most  im> 
^ortant  branch  of  Grammar. 

In  addition  to  the  perfectionsof  this  work  as  a  Dictionary,  it  contains  a  yast  amount:of  information 
■pon  MANY  K'.XPS  OF  TSEFUL  KXOWLEDGE  not  to  be  found  in  any  similar  work;  but  all 
ABSOLUTELY  NECESSARY  to  every  one  who  wishes  to  be  acquainted  with  the  leading  subjects  of  co»- 
yersation  and  composition. 

By  reference  to  the  annexed  TABLE  OF*  COXTENTS  it  will  be  found  that  the  bookiis  really  a  co» 
eise  and  portable  Cyclopedia  of  very  useful  and  valuable  information.  From  it  a  speaker  or  writer  can 
jlean  an  amount  of  real  knowledge  impossible  to  find  elsewhere  collected  in  one  book, 

THE  AMERICAN  POPULAR  DICTIOSARYis  printed  from  new  tj-pe,  with  extra  clear  and  leglkl* 
&ce.    It  is.boand  very  strongly  and  neatly. 

TABI^B    OF* 

1.  A  Complote  Dictionary  of  the  Eng.  Language. 

5.  A  Complete  List  of  Seriptnre  Proper  Names, 

including  Apocryphai  and  their  pronimcia- 
tion.  » 

i.  American  GoographScal  Names,  with  their  der- 
ivation, signification,  and  their  pronuncia- 
tion. 

4.  Nicknames  of  tho  States  and  Cities  of  the  U.  S. 

i.  The  Discovery  and  Discoverers  of  America. 

6.  The  Aborigines  of    North   America,  showing 

their  tribes,  location  and  number. 

7.  Early  Settlers  and  Settlements  of  the  United 

States— niitioQAlity,  location,  date, 

8.  Troops  of  the  American  Revolation,euoWing 

the  number  each  Si..">te  furnislied. 

9.  Battles  and  Losses  of  tlio  RevolutioH. 

10.  The  Declaration  of  Independence. 

11.  Th«  Signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 

ence. 
la.  The  Prc-ldots  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
13.  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 
li.  History  of  tho  American  Flag. 

15.  Area  and  Pupul.ition  of  the  United  States. 

16.  I'opulution  of  fill  Cities  and   Towns  in  the  U. 

S.  having  a  population  of  over  10,000. 

17.  Growth  of  American  Citier  having  a  popula- 

tion of  50,000  and  iipwat  I. 

18.  Public  Dpbt  of  the  United  8tate»,1791  to  1879. 
la.  The  Amount  of  Paper  Jloncy  in   the  United 

States,  of  each  dcnominalion. 

20.  AiinlyHls   of  the   Publie  Debt  of  the  United 

21.  United  State*  Public  Lands— where  they  lie. 

2«.  Tho  Un:»?d  States  Public  Land  System. 
88,  Free  Home-.teuds  on  the  Public  Lands,  or  bow 
to«fciir»a  homestead. 

54.  Howetite.t^  tkad  £<emption  Laws  oi  the  U.  S. 

55.  The  Cunali  of  the  United  8tat«9— their  length, 

coanecliii^  points,  number  of  locks,  cost,&c  * 
'  bAOkd  ta  elathf  gilt  bMlx. 


COXTENTS. 

26.  The  Municipal  Debts  of  the  United  States. 

27.  Theological  Seminaries  in  the  Untied  States, 

denominations,  professors,  students,  in  each, 

28.  Occupations  of  the  People  of  the  U.  S. 

29.  Army  of  the  United  Slates,  vrith  rates  of  pay. 

80.  Navy  of  the  United  States,  with  rates  of  pay. 

81.  N;ivy-yards  of  the  United  States. 

82.  Number  of  Men  raised  by  each  State  for  ths 

suppression  of  the  Ilebellion. 

83.  Churches  in  the  United  Stiites,  with  statistleSt 

84.  Price  of  commodities  for  the  psst  fifty  years. 
35.  Statutes  of  Limitations  of  the  variotis  States. 

86.  Interest  Laws  in  the  United  St.ites. 

87.  Insolvent  and  Assignment  Laws  of  the  diffevt 

eut  States. 

88.  Newspapers  and  Periodicals  in  IheU.  S. 

39.  Heads  of  the  pi-incip;i!  nutioiis  of  the  world. 

40.  The  Carlisle  Tables,  showing  how  many  peF« 

sons  out  of  10,000  will  die  unnunlly. 

41.  The  Railroads  of  the  World— Un-th,  cost,  te. 

42.  Commerce,  Debts,  &c.,  of  the  principal  natlooa 

43.  National  Debts  of  the  various  countries. 

44.  The  Merchant  Shipping  of  Ihc  world. 

45.  The  Dominion  of  Canadn,  rcvi'ti:ie,  trade,  Ae. 

46.  The  Armies  of  the  world, with  full  particulars 

47.  The  Navies  of  the  world  — niiiiibers,  cost,  &c. 

48.  Foreign  Gold  and  Silver  Coins— value,  A-c. 

49.  Weights  and  Measures  of  the  United  States. 

50.  General    CounciU    of    the     Roman     Catholic 

Church. 
61.  Chronological  History  of  the  United  States. 

52.  List  of  Mvlholoijicril  and  Clnvtical  Names. 

53.  Interest  Tables,  at  4,  5,  G,  7,  b  and  10  per  et. 

54.  Eianiples  of  the  Ooinmnn  Frr<;rs  in  Speaking 

and  Writing,  with  Corrcciions. 

55.  A  Onidi' <•)  fill-  I'ronunci;i»ion  rf  Hard  Words, 

in  the  Ensllsh  and  other  i.iii^uages. 

56.  ▲  List  of  Objectionable  Words  and  Phrases^ 

and  Inaccnrnte  Expressions. 

Sent  to  «B7  address  on  receipt  of  pria*. 


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THE      PRACTICAL^  MAGiCIAff  S 

and„Ventrl!oqul8t's  ,Guide.  By  a  se- 
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COMPLETE  CUIDE.-A  practical  man. 
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THE  MARRIAGE  LOOKING-GLASS 

A  Handbook  for  neirly  married  couples. 
No  T>ersoB  should  enter  upon  fhe  duties  and 
joys  of  matrimony  without  taking  a  good  look 
into  this  telltale  mirror. 

HANDBOOK  OP  THE  TOILIT 

Containing  Aciple  Dire«tions  for  adding  to  and  Pre* 
terming  the  Beauty  of  the  Person. 

The  materials  of  this  little  work  have  bgen 
carefully  collected,  and  are  the  result  of  long  prac- 
tical experience,  and  can  not  fail  to  add  greatly  to 
the  beauty  of  the  person. 

•HANDBOOK  OF  WHIST.- Containing 
ibe  Laws  of  the  Game  as  laid  down  by  tlie  best 
enthorltles,  ind  Conrise  Kales  for  playing  at 
every  stage  of  the  Game. 

In  tnese  pag=8  the  author  has  given,  in  a  clear 
and  concise  form,  all  the  instructions  that  aro 
iiecessary  to  make  a  good  whist-player. 

THE    LOVERS'   COMPANION. 

A  Handbook  of  Courtship  and  Carriage. 

THE    BALLROOM   COMPANION. 

A  Handbook  for  thje  Ballroom  and  eTenlsg  parties. 

KOW  TO   SPEAK  AND  WRITE 

"WITH  ELEGANCE  A^TD  EASE. 
A  valuable  litilc  manual  for  the  use  of  readers, 
writers,  and  taliers.  It  shows  the  moct  prevalent 
•rroTs  tl;at  inexpsri.enced  persons  fail  into.  The 
examples  are  made  extremely  plain  and  clear.  In 
svery  case  the  corr3ct  forms  are  gi'^en. 

HOWTO  PRONOUNCE  DIFFICULT 

WORDS. 

There  are  fpw  per.sons  that  hisve  not  at  times 
been  in  doubt  respecting  thf.  true  pronunciation 
•f  a  w«rd  th  y  'lesire  to  u?e.  This  uncertainty 
can  now  he  avoided.  By  the  aid  of  this  book  the 
hardest  word^  ^-r  most  difficult  terms  in  the  Eng- 
Bsh  i^nguage  can  be  pronounced  with  ease  and 
■bsolbtc  accuracy. 


SLANG  AND  VULGAR  PHRASE3 
AND  FORf^'iS. 

A  collection  of  objectionable  words,  inaccnrata 
terms,  bai'barisms,  coUoquiaUsms,  provincialis-na, 
quaint  expressions,  cant  phrases,  perversions  aii(t 
misapplication,  of  terms,  as  used  in  tLe  various 
States  of  the  Union. 

THE  FORTUNE-TELLER  AJ'D 
DRgAM-BOO::, 

OR,  THE  FUTTJEE  ITNTCLDED. 
Containing  plain,  correct,  and  certain  rules  fo 
foretelling  what  is  gcing  to  happen.    By  the  cele- 
brated Gajjeiel,  the  great  astrologer  of  tba  nine* 
teenth  century.    A  complete  oracle  of  destiny. 

HOWTO  LIVE  A  KUNCREr^  YEA?.3 

A  practical  end  reliable  guida  to  health  and 
longevity.  With  plain  and  specific  instrnctioiu 
for  improving  the  mem  cry.  making  it  reten- 
tive, capacious,  and  reliable.  The  rules  given  are 
the  result  of  years  of  att:nti;n  and  study  of  the 
subject,  and  can  not  fail  to  make  a  bad  memory 
good,  and  a  good  memory  still  better. 

TERENCE   TIERNEY,  ADM:RAL« 

This  work,  by  the  celebrated  BAsrsi,  has  re- 
ceived the  indorsement  of  both  press  and  people 
as  the  best  delineation  of  Irish  character,  in  it) 
brighter  phases,  ever  published. 

THE    CABIN-BOY:   A  Tale  of  the 

'>   Wide  Ocean.    By  Capt  L.  C.  KmesroN. 

■  Since  the  advent  of  "  Eobinscn  Crusoe,"  we  will 
venture  to  say  that  no  more  startling  narrative 
has  been  issued  from  the  press  than  this  taie  of 
the  wide  oc»an;  by  a  well-known  and  popular  au- 
thcr.  It  is  charming,  fraeh,  and  vigoroua,  and  ia 
written  a«  only  an  old  salt  could  write. 

THE  PEEP-O'-DAY  BCYS;  or, Wild 

Life  on  the  Mountains,  by m.  Ba^vim. 

CAPTAIN  DOE,  THE  MOUNTAIN 
CHIEF.  Bv  JoHif  Banim. 
This  is  a  novel  which,  for  entrancing  interest; 
has  never  been  surpassed.  The  marvelous  adven- 
tijres  of  Captain  Doe,  at  once  the  t'  rror  ami  prids 
'»f  the  mountains,  are  detailed  in  Banim's  m.ost 
charming  language.    By  all  means  get  this  book. 

CLERK  BARTON'S  CR:^^>£;  or,  the 
Adventures  of  a  Night.  Aiakot 

NewYork  Life.High  &.  Low.  iiy  Steele  Pi:.;u. 

THE      SHOWMAN'S      CUfPS. 

This  book  contains  most  of  the  marvj^-ig 
things  in  ancient  and   modern  maeic,  a:>i 

is  the  textbook  for  all  showmen. 

HOW  TO  SEE    NEW  YORK   CITY, 

including  ConoylslandanclTlorlcwny'Beafb, 
with  Street  Directory  and  list  of  €huroho«, 
Hoteln,  Tlieators,  andotVpr  ./i.i' cts  of  interest 
Indispensable  to  any  one  visiting  tlie  Empire  City 

GUIDE  MAP  OF  NEW  YORK  d'HT. 

ronvenlantly  folded  for  the  pocket. 


Addr«8s  HUKST  St.  CO.  199  IVassaa  St*  IV*  Y. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


00032195204 

FOR  USE  ONLY  IN 
THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  COLLECTION 


